By Andy Furman
NKyTribune staff writer
It was a natural transition – for Jason Reser.
“I grew up in Ft. Thomas, attended Moeller High School and the University of Cincinnati,” he told the Northern Kentucky Tribune. And although he spent many hours in those classrooms, it was outdoors that he absolutely loved. “I grew up outdoors. I love exploring the woods; I was a Mountain Biker.”
Today Jason Reser is Executive Director of Cincinnati Off Road Alliance. CORA was founded in 1996 by a group of local riders who came together to build and advocate for sustainable natural surface trails.
Since then, CORA has led a shift in how our region thinks about trails, What began as an effort to create more places to ride, has grown into a movement to expand access to the outdoors. Today, CORA is recognized not only for the miles of trail built and maintained but for its commitment to creating welcoming, connected trail systems that serve a broad and growing community or riders, runners, and hikers across our region.
Through funding support from ONENKY Alliance – they contracted with CORA and Tri-State Trails – a comprehensive feasibility report outlining trail connectivity across Northern Kentucky’s three counties has been developed.
“ONENKY Alliance is committed to providing a transformative future through efforts in Unity, Health, and Education for this great community we call home,” Karen Finan, President & CEO, One NKY Alliance, told the Northern Kentucky Tribune. “Along with our OneNKY Partners, we work every day to incubate and launch measurable, tangible impact for the good of those who live, work and play here.
“The Regional Trails Plan, developed by CORA and Tri-State Trails is a true example of the infrastructure investment necessary for a healthy OneNKY.”
She said the project required collaboration across jurisdictions, nonprofits, businesses, and residents. The OneNKY Alliance stepped up to fundraise and engage in providing support through many of their member companies, private and public entities.
Why, Karen?
“We cannot be a successful community without being a healthy community. The Connector aligns with the OneNKY Alliance’s commitment to improving health outcomes across the region.
“And we must have the infrastructure for a healthy outdoor environment. In short, this project promotes health in a positive way.”
Garren Colvin, President & CEO, St. Elizabeth Healthcare was at the Wednesday late afternoon news announcement at OneNKY, to add that, “St. Elizabeth is committed to making Northern Kentucky one of the healthiest communities in America. That mission extends beyond hospital walls.”
He said trails are proven tools for improving community health. Trails encourage physical activity; they reduce stress and support long-term wellness. “Public infrastructure,” he said, “is a form of preventive medicine.”
The OneNKY Connector helps bridge communities, giving more residents safe, accessible ways to stay active through thirty-one miles of continuous, exiting trail infrastructure.
Seven cities and 31 miles of trail, the highly collaborative project included key engagement at the city and county levels and details a braided trail network including Northern Kentucky, connecting 934 miles of natural surface and paved trails for recreational multi-use.
This project connects communities and advocates outdoor recreation as an outlet toward regional health and wellness.
Just like Tri-State Trails, Jason Reser connected with Wade Johnson, their Executive Director, for this vision. Tri-State Trails connects people and places though a regional network of trails, bikeways, and active transportation infrastructure. The organization expands and connects the trail network provide planning and technical assistance, collect and share trail data, convene partners, and promote safe, accessible opportunities for walking, biking, and rolling throughout the Tri-State region.
“We have, one cohesive regional vision,” Johnson said. “And this vision requires a long-game approach.”
And like Reser, who grew from a CORA staffer in 2010 to Executive Director in 2024, the 47-year-old has since sold his Newport shop – Reser Bicycle Outfitters.
With the growth of this project, he may be a customer looking for a new ride.
The program was followed by an evening group bike ride on the proposed connector route.