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Reflecting on having authored the Safe Trails column in Trail Mail for more than a year has caused me to wonder what, if any, difference I have made. Perhaps I am preaching to the choir, since most readers of this newsletter likely have some commitment to using the trail safely. When using the Little Miami Scenic Trail, I still encounter far too many users who are overly aggressive, discourteous, unsafe, helmetless and clueless when it comes to etiquette. And yet, if I have caused even a few readers consciously to think about safety and to alter their behavior, I would consider my contributions to be a success.

Trail Mail’s distribution list now exceeds 2,000, but the trail is used by tens of thousands of people. The simple truth is that behaving safely is not sufficient to keep us safe. Others’ actions and natural events pose dangers that we must address. As when operating a motor vehicle, we must practice “defensive driving,” anticipating what might happen and either acting proactively or reacting appropriately. Expect the unexpected from people (especially children), dogs and wild animals. Slow down and be prepared to stop; announce your presence, give a wide berth and identify an escape route.

I would love to give the green light for trail users, especially bicyclists, to proceed at speed. The reality, however, is that we must contend with other users who don’t share our knowledge of or focus on safety. As a result, we must be defensive. Having to slow down or stop can be frustrating, but injuring ourselves or others is far worse. Be patient and stay well.
Past Safe Trails articles are now available here.

by Erick Wikum
August 2018

by Erick Wikum

A friend of mine who is an excellent cross-country skier once came upon clearly novice skiers as he skied along a trail. As he approached, the skiers jumped off the trail to get out of his way. He stopped. “There’s no reason why you have to get off of the trail for me,” he told them. “You have the same right to use the trail as I do.”

And so it should be with the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Trail Mail recently received an email from a trail user who stopped to help a mother and young daughter who had both fallen while biking. Fortunately, neither was hurt, but the mother shared a troubling story. “A short time ago two riders approached us while riding side by side and taking up much of the trail. The riders were going very fast and left us little room in our own lane. My daughter wrecked and is very scared now. This is her first ride on a bike trail." The email author surmised that that ride would be the daughter’s last for quite some time.

Little Miami Scenic Trail users are a diverse bunch. I myself am the type who dons lycra or running clothes and primarily uses the trail for training. Most of my workouts are long, slow affairs, but a few involve intervals and recovery. Whether slow or faster (the trail’s posted speed limit is 20 mph), I have adopted the following rule for myself to respect the rights of fellow trail users: At all times be courteous and safe.

Passing children, families, horseback riders, etc. at high speed is neither courteous nor safe. My workouts take a back seat to the enjoyment and well-being of others. I slow to a crawl (in the language of boating, I go “slow, no wake”) when passing these groups and clearly announce my presence well in advance with “On your left.” I adopt a similarly slow speed when navigating congested portions of the trail, especially near Loveland on weekends and near trailheads.

My rule is similar to rules and etiquette described on the FLMSP web site at https://littlemiamistatepark.org/park-and-trail/rules-etiquette as well as special rules Ohio DNR has established for the Little Miami State Park, which are listed at http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/littlemiami#rules.

By all means, get out and enjoy the Little Miami Scenic Trail. But when you do, remember that, unlike in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, “all trail users are equal, and none are more equal than others.”

by Erick Wikum

I remember my first bicycle road race for two reasons. First, as a new rider who was not in particularly great physical condition, I wondered why my club teammates did a multi-mile warm up. To my way of thinking, the energy to ride that warmup should have been saved for the race. Second, I was dropped by the pack immediately after the race began and as I struggled to catch up, I rode up on a teammate who had crashed. Fortunately for him, while his face was bloodied and his helmet cracked in two, he and his head in particular was okay.

Ever since that day, I have been on a crusade to encourage others to wear helmets when engaged in bicycling and other wheeled activities. When people ask me for advice on which type of bike to buy or where to ride, I always mention the importance of wearing a helmet and note that I would never ride anywhere without one.

For whatever reasons (ignorance, lack of respect for potential hazards, cost, etc.), many Little Miami Scenic Trail users do not wear helmets. Count yourself among wise trail users who understand the critical importance of helmets and stay safe by adhering to the following helmet guidance:

1. Purchase an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certified helmet comfortable and attractive enough that you will wear it. While more expensive helmets may be lighter, better looking, more aerodynamic and better ventilated, any certified helmet will provide protection.

2. Visit your local bike shop for assistance in selecting a helmet that fits your budget and your head, for help adjusting straps and for advice for proper positioning of the helmet on your head.

3. Replace old or damaged helmets. Styrofoam used in helmets degrades over time, and damage impacts the structural integrity of the helmet.

4. Always wear your helmet, not only to protect yourself, but also to set a positive example for others (especially children).
Bicycling and engaging in other wheeled activities on the Little Miami Scenic Trail can be very enjoyable, but these activities are inherently risky due to gravity, trail and weather conditions, road crossings, other users and animals. You can mitigate these risks by paying attention, exercising caution, and equipping yourself with a helmet, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your head. My former neighbor used to say that helmets can be pricy, but if your helmet does what it is designed to do, it will be the best money you ever spent. Touchè!

by Erick Wikum

Cross-country skiers encourage one another to “flick a stick,” removing sticks they encounter while skiing with the flick of a ski pole to keep the trail clear and clean. High winds can litter cross-country skiing trails with sticks and leaves, which are a nuisance at best and a safety hazard at worst. The same is true for the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Tree litter ranging from branches to buckeyes can pose a risk for all trail users. A small amount of effort by each of us can help. Take a short break from walking, running, roller blading or riding to remove the largest of objects. Before bending down to pick up a stick, scan the trail for fast approaching cyclists. Toss sticks well clear of the trail. Leave heavy lifting to the trail crews. Report downed trees and other hazards by calling the Trail Hotline at (513) 212-6958 with a description of the problem and its location (milepost number). Add the hotline to your mobile phone contacts list now. The next time you are on the Little Miami Scenic Trail, flick a stick or two. Your fellow trail users will thank you.