by Erick Wikum

Cars, e-bikes, scooters, lawn mowers, yard tools, pressure washers, vacuum cleaners, phones, tablets and more—battery-powered devices are proliferating. And those using lithium-ion batteries require extra caution.  

A Maineville family recently learned a most difficult lesson concerning the charging of devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. The family’s home was engulfed in flames in the middle of the night. Were it not for some good Samaritans who happened by, lives may have been lost. As it was, the house was a complete loss, and a neighboring home was damaged. The cause of the fire? Children’s e-bikes, which were charging in the garage.

Click here for a story about the fire, and click here for another emotional follow-up story about the reunion of the family and those who saved them (both from WLWT).

These stories provide critically important guidance for us to follow. Charge a battery only under supervision and stop charging when the battery is fully charged.

Battery-powered devices, including the many e-bikes we now see on the Little Miami Scenic Trail, are here to stay. Educate yourself about charging safety and share what you know with others. Click here to access a comprehensive safety resource from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Photos: WLWT

July 2024

by Diane Wright

Dozens of people gathered on May 22 to officially open the new bridge over O’Bannon Creek, just north of Loveland. FLMSP President Dick Feldmann helped cut the ribbon, along with Loveland Mayor Kathy Bailey, Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz, Caesar Creek and Little Miami State Parks Manager Tiffany DeChant-Hunt, and local Buckeye Trail section supervisor Diane Wright. Casey Marcum, who helps us so much in the Little Miami State Park, was also there. Many thanks to the many FLMSP volunteers who help keep this section of trail so beautiful! Cyclists continued to come through the trail even as the Director of ODNR was making her speech: it’s clear how highly utilized this trail is, and how much it means to the community! (photos by Diane Wright unless otherwise noted)

above: Ohio Representative Jean Schmidt (at podium) presents a proclamation to Jon Downey, Assistant Chief of Ohio State Parks and Watercraft and the original Little Miami State Park manager; and Mary Mertz, Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. (photo by Dick Feldmann)

above: Dozens gathered to celebrate the opening of the new bridge.

above: Diane Wright (FLMSP and Buckeye Trail), Mary Mertz (ODNR Director), Dick Feldmann (FLMSP President), and Tiffany DeChant Hunt (Little Miami State Park Manager).

by Erick Wikum

Test your safe judgment with this trail quiz. For answers, click the "ANSWER" link at the bottom.

1. You’re riding your bike on the Little Miami Scenic Trail and approach two walkers going in your direction. As you get nearer, you notice that a bicyclist who is coming the other way will pass the two walkers about the same time as you. You should:
     a. Proceed to overtake the walkers but stay in the middle of the trail to allow the bicyclist to pass at the same time.
     b. Slow down, stopping if necessary, and wait until the oncoming bicyclist has passed before proceeding to overtake the walkers while calling out “on your left.”
     c. Jump into the grass on the right-hand side of the trail, pass the walkers, and return to the trail.
     d. Accelerate to top speed, passing the walkers and returning to the right-hand side of the trail before the approaching bicyclist reaches the walkers.

2. What are the most important aspects of protective helmets for bicycling, roller skating, roller skiing, etc.?
     a. Cost (the higher the cost, the safer the helmet)
     b. Attractiveness
     c. Size and fit
     d. Age
     e. Standards testing
     f. All of the above
     g. All of the above except a
     h. All of the above except a and b

3. Riding your bicycle on the trail, you approach a horseback rider going in your direction. You should:
     a. Proceed to pass while calling out “on your left.”
     b. Turn around and head in the opposite direction.
     c. Announce your presence in a calm voice and wait for the rider to give you the go-ahead to pass.
     d. Proceed to pass but do so silently while giving as wide a berth as possible.

4. Which rule DOES NOT apply to the Little Miami Scenic Trail?
     a. Pets are permitted on the trail provided they are on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet.
     b. No headphones or earphones are permitted while cycling.
     c. E-bikes of Classes 1, 2, and 3 are permitted on the trail.
     d. Cyclists must obey all Ohio traffic laws that pertain to bicyclists including stopping at all posted road crossings, yielding to vehicle traffic, and giving an audible signal when passing.
     e. State law prohibits alcohol on public land.
     f. The speed limit is 20mph.

ANSWERS (click or tap)

How did you do? What is your trail safety IQ?

Now is a great time to enjoy the Little Miami Scenic Trail, but when you do, keep safety top of mind.

by Erick Wikum
June 2024