There are many bike paths and bike lanes nearby UC. Here are some resources regarding the local bike infrastructure. There is a short route included at the bottom of this post, with pictures showing some of the roads and paths. In the following weeks, more routes will be posted, so keep an eye out for that.
Tri State Trails has an interactive map of local paths, bike lanes and sharrows. They advocate for the construction of new paths and have over 100 miles of trails proposed with 54 miles completed.
For those looking beyond the bike path, Strava heatmaps shows the popularity of roads based on user's ride data.
The bike function of google maps can also be useful for planning, though sometimes misses little connection trails.
The local mountain bike trails are maintained by CORA (Cincinnati Off-road Alliance). Like Tri State Trails, they also advocate for new trail systems and related infrastructure. Devou Park and Mt. Airy are both within riding distance from campus and have some of my favorite local trails. CORA's website has details about all of the local trails including maps, photos, and trail conditions. Please respect the trails by not riding them when they are muddy, and only ride the designated mountain bike trails.
MLK-Ludlow Loop
4.6 miles, 380 feet of climbing. Plan on about 30 minutes of riding, depending on fitness and traffic. I prefer riding up Ludlow, so I do this route clockwise. It can also be done ccw, but you will be making left turns instead of right, requiring more care at intersections.
Turning right on Morrison (top of the Ludlow climb) shortens the loop and avoids the section of MLK bordering campus.
MLK bike path, past campus heading west. This intersection has a stop light, look out for cars turning right on red that might not see you.
Central Parkway. The portion in this route does not have a bike lane, but is pretty decent to ride on. Sections between i75 and downtown have separated bike lanes.
Turn onto Ludlow.
Base of the Ludlow Hill.
Sharrow up Ludlow, not a bad hill, but not insignificant either. The MLK climb is steeper but has no cars because of the bike path, so any riders that aren't comfortable with cars might prefer that.