Hundreds of bicyclists of all skill levels will gather on the Purple People Bridge in Newport Friday Morning during the 17th annual Breakfast on the Bridge marking National Bike to Work Day.
The event will take place from 7-9 a.m. on the Newport side of the Purple People Bridge as the Cincinnati-side approach undergoes long-term repairs.
The annual Bike Month gathering serves as a reminder of the importance of safe, reliable walking and biking connections 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,” said 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 a.m., the City of Newport will host a 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 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 said. “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.
More information about Breakfast on the Bridge, the Purple People Bridge closure, and detour routes is available at tristatetrails.org.
Tri-State Trails