New Trail Signs

Since 1984, signs at each of 46 road crossings along our trail corridor have identified it as the Little Miami State Park, stretching 50 miles from Hedges Rd. in Greene County to Avoca Park in Cincinnati. Over the years, these sign trees have grown to include the crossing street name, a park rule sign that also identifies the Friends of the Little Miami State Park, and route signs identifying the various biking and hiking routes that make use of the state park bike trail as part of their trail system. 

After 40 years, the signs have become dated, worn and damaged. So last year Dick Feldmann and the Friends of the Little Miami State Park took on a project to redesign, organize, and replace the sign trees. This year FLMSP has begun replacing the old signs, and by December, every intersection in both directions will have the new sign tree identifying the state park, trail route information, updated rules, and contact information. FLMSP president Dick Feldmann (left) and the installation crew are pictured above.

This month, Trail Mail focuses on the updated Rules; our next issue will discuss the connecting trail information.

Trail Rules

Because the Little Miami Scenic Trail is a multi-use trail, “rules of the road” have been developed to allow pedestrians, runners, skaters, horses, and cyclists to safely enjoy the trail together.

No Moter Vehicles: This is an essential state park rule which maintains safety for all trail users. “Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted” is explained in the Safe Trails article in this issue.

When passing, say “On Your Left”: Surprise is dangerous on the trail. Faster users should let those who are slower know they are approaching with their voice or a bell.

Bikes yield to Pedestrians & Horses: Horses can be easily spooked by other trail users, so others should use care when approaching or passing them. Cyclists, being the faster trail users, yield to both pedestrians and horses.

Please yield to Maintenance Vehicles: There are two exceptions to the “No Motor Vehicles” rule. The first is for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, explained in the accompanying Safe Trails article. The second is for identified ODNR employees and specifically permitted volunteers with the Friends of the Little Miami State Park to drive their vehicles on the trail to perform maintenance functions. While driving on the trail, we work to yield to and make room for trail users. However, if you see us on the trail and are able, please help by giving us room to access and perform our mission.

When stopped, Move Off Trail: This is a courtesy that keeps the trail open for other trail users.

by Erick Wikum

In grad school, I helped a fellow student move between apartments. He was from Brazil and was new to driving in the U.S. I rode along in the rental truck and his driving made me extremely nervous. I vowed from that day forward always to be cautious around rental trucks. Many people who rent trucks are not familiar with the challenges of handling a much larger vehicle.

Over the past few years, but especially in 2024, users of the Little Miami Scenic Trail have witnessed a phenomenon akin to driving on a roadway full of rental truck drivers. While e-bikes have been around for several years, falling prices and ready availability has meant that the number of e-bike riders on the trail has exploded this year. Many of these riders are new to bicycling and new to the trail. Some are riding types of e-bikes not permitted on the trail (see Did You Know?, below). Many are proceeding at high rates of speed, even around other trail users. For these reasons, I have vowed to be cautious around e-bike users on the trail and I urge you to take a similar vow.

The American College of Surgeons issued a July/August 2024 bulletin suggesting that e-bikes are an emerging public health hazard (see this link). The bulletin lists disadvantages of e-bikes including “The higher e-bike speeds reduce reaction time for riders to avoid potential collisions. Attractive styling, naming, and bicycle-like appearance may not convey these risks to younger riders or parents.” The bulletin referenced “A 2018 Dutch Level I trauma study of the 10-year history of bicycle accidents at their institution noted that e-bikes accounted for 2.9% of their accidents but represented 27.6% of the fatal bicycle accidents nationwide in 2017.” Among the bulletin’s calls to action are increasing education and awareness and addressing confusion surrounding types of e-bikes and associated regulation.

Did You Know?

• Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance, meaning that the electric motor operates only when the rider is pedaling. Class 1 e-bikes have a top speed of 20mph (which happens to be the speed limit on the Little Miami Scenic Trail).
• Class 2 e-bikes are like Class 1 e-bikes in terms of offering pedal assistance and topping out at 20mph, but also provide a throttle that operates even when the rider is not pedaling.
• Class 3 e-bikes have a top speed of 28mph, must have a speedometer, and may or may not have a throttle. Some Class 3 e-bikes have throttles that only function up to 20mph, with pedal assistance to support higher speeds.

In Ohio, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted on bike paths and shared use trails including the Little Miami Scenic Trail.

In Ohio, Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on bike paths and shared use trails.

Source: Wired

Photo and article by Phillip Obermiller

While listening to music or podcasts, concentrating on a workout, or chatting with companions, it’s easy to miss some of the trail’s more interesting features. Loren Long, however, keeps an artist’s eye out for striking images while on the trail. He found one in a retired school bus in the corner of a goat paddock. Intrigued, Long kept returning to the scene wondering if there was a story in the bus’s presence. . .

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