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by Erick Wikum
Sept. 2018

Since its founding in 2008, Friends of the Little Miami State Park (FLMSP) has made trail safety its most important focus. Indeed, the group was formed in response to a safety issue; following several accidents, Friends raised funds and paved the algae covered, slippery wooden bridges. And now, the group is coalescing around a major safety issue: road crossings. At its September 12 meeting, the FLMSP board approved an initiative to improve intersection safety through the marking of crossings in phase 1 and through the posting of trail crossing signs to alert drivers in phase 2 (see example below). In addition, Friends will address sight lines at intersections by trimming brush to allow for a 45-degree view of the road in either direction.

FLMSP volunteers Don Mills and Bruce Cortright conducted an extensive survey of the trail, documenting 50 intersections recognized by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Plans call for the intersections to be marked with painted “ladders” (see illustration). The paint to be used is embedded with tiny glass beads, making it reflective so that markings will be highly visible both day and night. Unlike other similar solutions (e.g., reflective plastic strips), the paint will stand up to traffic ranging from cars to snow plows.

While the trail itself is the jurisdiction of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), intersections are controlled by local jurisdictions (e.g., 26 of the 50 by Warren County). Friends has been coordinating with these local jurisdictions and some have already begun to act. Several intersections, including OH-126 near Miamiville, Old 3C near Foster and OH-350 near Fort Ancient have already been marked. The jurisdictions have asked FLMSP to provide some of the funding required for marking activities. One grateful trail user has kicked off the intersection effort with a generous gift of $20,000. Read his story and learn how you can help here.

The Friends are pursuing this initiative to improve road crossings because it greatly values the safety of trail users. No amount of marking, signage or other approaches, however, can guarantee everyone’s safety. Each of us, must continue to make wise decisions when crossing intersections and when otherwise enjoying our beautiful trail.

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.

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.”

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