3080 Exploration Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45206
513.655.3981
www.tristatetrails.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2026
Media Contact:
Caitlin Sparks
Communication & Events Manager, Tri-State Trails
(859) 486-4015
caitlin@tristatetrails.org
NEWPORT, KY — In celebration of National Bike to Work Day, an iconic Bike Month tradition returns this week. Presented by Cincinnati Metro, the 17th annual Breakfast on the Bridge will take place on Friday, May 15, from 7:00 to 9:00 AM on the Newport side of the Purple People Bridge. The event will unite hundreds of bicyclists of all skill levels for coffee, conversation, and connection. This year, the event carries added meaning.
As the Cincinnati-side approach to the Purple People Bridge undergoes long-term repairs, the annual gathering has become a reminder of just how important safe, reliable walking and biking connections are to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region. While visitors will need to take a temporary detour over the Taylor–Southgate Bridge to reach the event, organizers say the inconvenience underscores why continued investment in bridges, trails, sidewalks, and public infrastructure matters.
“People continue to show up because Breakfast on the Bridge reflects something bigger than a morning commute,” Wade Johnston, Executive Director of Tri-State Trails. “It’s about celebrating the connections we’re building across our region and the people working every day to make our communities more accessible, welcoming, and vibrant.”
Because of the closure, attendees traveling from Cincinnati should use the Taylor–Southgate Bridge sidewalks and allow extra travel time. Organizers recommend using the east-side sidewalk for the most direct access to Newport on the Levee and the event.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive by bike, on foot, or by transit. Both Cincinnati Metro and the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) will offer free rides all day for passengers traveling with bicycles. Riders can load their bikes onto the front-mounted bike racks on all Metro and TANK buses, which accommodate two bicycles each. A demonstration bus bike rack will also be available at Breakfast on the Bridge for anyone interested in learning how to combine biking and transit.
Breakfast on the Bridge will feature complimentary coffee from Trailhead Coffee, pastries from North South Baking Co., and more than 27 organizations representing bicycling, trails, active transportation, transit, and other community-building efforts.
“Breakfast on the Bridge reminds us how many people care about moving through our region in joyful, healthy, and connected ways,” said Caitlin Sparks, Communication and Events Manager at Tri-State Trails. “Every year, people arrive by bike, bus, and on foot to celebrate the connections that make our region stronger. One of the loveliest surprises has been seeing neighborhoods organize group rides to the event, helping people learn routes together and feel more confident getting around by bike.”
Immediately following Breakfast on the Bridge at 9:00 AM, the City of Newport will host a short press conference to share updates on the Purple People Bridge repairs and a planned lighting installation for the bridge.
“There’s no better place to celebrate bicycle and pedestrian safety than here on the Purple People Bridge, a symbol of connection, community, and regional partnership,” said Newport, KY, Mayor Tommy Guidugli. “Thank you to Tri-State Trails for bringing people together through Breakfast on the Bridge and for advocating for safer, more connected communities.”
“The City of Newport remains committed to the future of this bridge, and we’re proud to be moving toward a long-term repair solution for the Cincinnati approach,” Guidugli added. “This bridge connects our region, and Newport is proud to help lead its future forward.”
Cincinnati Councilmember Mark Jeffreys will also read a proclamation on behalf of the City of Cincinnati recognizing the importance of bicycling, walking, trails, and active transportation throughout the region. “This bridge serves as a crucial pedestrian connection between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, emphasizing our shared goal of connectivity and a more unified region,” Jeffreys said.
In past years, Breakfast on the Bridge has welcomed more than 300 attendees. Organizers expect another strong turnout this year despite the temporary closure.
More information about Breakfast on the Bridge, the Purple People Bridge closure, and detour routes is available at tristatetrails.org.
Event Details
WHAT:
17th Annual Breakfast on the Bridge
WHEN:
Friday, May 15, 2026
7:00–9:00 AM
Group Photo: 8:30 AM
Press Event: Approximately 9:00 AM
WHERE:
Newport terminus of the Purple People Bridge, adjacent to Newport on the Levee
WEBSITE:
Breakfast on the Bridge Event Page: https://tristatetrails.org/event/2026-botb/
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
Hundreds of bicyclists and commuters arriving by bike and transit
Regional organizations tabling on the bridge
Purple People Bridge repair and lighting updates
Bike Month proclamation reading
Interviews with organizers, city leaders, and transportation advocates
Tri-State Trails is an alliance of community advocates advancing a vision to connect and expand our region’s trail network. We connect people and places with walkable and bikeable trails to enhance the vibrancy, equity, and health of our communities.
