Trail Talk: Issue 31: Rapid Repeating Flashing Beacon
The new caution lighting system at the corner of Indiana State Road 14 and Hathaway Street in Winamac was part of the Panhandle Pathway north trail extension and is called a Rapid Repeating Flashing Beacon (RRFB). This combination of lights and signs are in place there to add an extra margin of safety when crossing the highway. This traffic warning system is intended to raise awareness of motorists, pedestrians, and bicycle riders.
It is important to note here that this new flashing beacon is not a stop light. Trail users crossing at this intersection still need to wait until traffic is clear, press the RRFB activation button and then proceed across the highway with caution.
These two solar powered signs consist of yellow and white rectangular shaped flashing indicator lights, each with a light-emitting diode (LED). These RRFBs are placed on both sides of the crosswalk and are activated by the pedestrian or bicycle rider. A pushbutton, located at he bottom of each sign post activates the flashing beacon. When activated, the flashing warning light stays on and flashes for approximately 20 seconds. According to the Federal Highway Administration, these signs significantly improve motorists’ awareness of pedestrians and bicycle riders when approaching the intersection.
Have something to say about the Panhandle Pathway? Please share: www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/
Trail Talk: Issue 30: Me & Ralph
Almost every day, Steve Nichols goes out to the Panhandle Pathway for a walk with his 11 year old dog, Ralph. They typically walk on the trail from the trailhead at Pulaski County Road 150 South to the Tippecanoe River bridge. That’s about a mile and a half to the bridge and back. For a change up, they sometimes walk north towards town. Some days they will get in two or even three walks.
Ralph is old and slow but he always enjoys going for a walk on the trail. Who is taking who for this walk? Steve or Ralph?
Lookin’ good. Keep it going guys!
Have something to say about the Panhandle Pathway? Please share: www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/.
Trail Talk: Issue 29: Star City Community Church Trail Clean Up
Members of the Star City Community Church recently hosted a trail clean up along the Panhandle Pathway in Star City.
This community improvement project brought together about a dozen, early morning volunteers from the church along with volunteers from the Friends of the Panhandle Pathway.
Many hands worked to clear trail shoulder brush, leaves, trash, and debris just south of Main Street in Star City. Their attention was on clearing invasive species of Bush Honeysuckle, Mulberry trees, and Tree of Heaven, and making room for the Indiana native trees along the trail right-of-way.
The volunteers who helped are much appreciated.
Have something to say about the Panhandle Pathway? Please share: www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/.
It is very much appreciated!
Way to go!
Trail Talk: Issue 28
Trail Expansion to France Park
With the north end Phase 1 expansion in Winamac nearing completion, focus now turns to taking the Panhandle Pathway through to the entrance of France Park. The Panhandle team continues to work towards the vision of “Park to Park.” When completed, one should be able to follow the Panhandle Pathway from Tippecanoe River State Park on the north end to France Park on the south and never leave the trail. All of the Panhandle friends who continue to back these efforts are appreciated. This is not possible without your help.
The Guys Go Out for a Ride
Alan Nies, area resident and avid bicycle rider, had a recent memorable experience of riding the trail with his three grandchildren.
Fun time for all: Ages 3 to 64. As they discovered, bike riding on the Panhandle Pathway is more than a bike ride. There is so much to see and explore and no two trips are exactly alike. It is an adventure every time.
On this day’s ride they encountered a garter snake sunning on the asphalt. Riley, the 3-year-old, rode his bike right up to investigate. The older two wanted grandpa to check things out first. Next came a large trail side groundhog hole—all looked inside and discovered—no one was home! Just an empty hole.
Alan is no newcomer to bicycle riding and had to explain to the grandkids that a trip to Mud Creek is something that their mothers enjoyed doing when they were little. Back then, of course, it was railroad tracks and not a recreational trail.
As with any long trip out and back, everyone got a little thirsty, and Riley had to sample grandpa’s water bottle drink. He had to explain that grandpa’s drink tasted a little funny. Grandpa said the water was a sports drink and had electrolytes in it. “It gives you energy!” After that conversation, Riley was back out and leading the pack again.
The 7-year-old, Ezra, and the 5-year-old, Jonah, enjoyed wearing their new bicycle helmets. Riley and grandpa put new stickers on Riley’s helmet. By the end of the day, all were tired, ready to go home and agreed that they certainly had fun.
Have something to say about the Panhandle Pathway? Please share: www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/.
Park to park will be terrific… can’t wait 😊🚴🏻
Trail Talk: Issue 27: Brush cleared out north of CR Road 800 South
Limbs and branches from invasive species of Bush Honey Suckle, Mulberry and Tree of Heaven have been closing in on the trail shoulders north of Pulaski County Road 800 South. Mike O’Connor and several other trail volunteers spent time recently between trail mile markers 7.9 and 8.4 and getting this brush under control. A total of nine volunteers with chainsaws and three tractors participated on this particular work day. This section of trail is a lot more open now, thanks to their fine work. If you are interested in helping with future trail maintenance, please visit our website, www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/.
Have something to say about the Panhandle Pathway? Please share: www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/.
Good job Mike thank you, it is appreciated!
GREAT
Thank you!
Thank for your time & love!
Great job!!!
Awesome
Go Mike! (and friends!)
Thank you for your hard work....we were there a couple weeks ago and the area you had finished looked great....
THANK YOU to all who make this amazing resource possible!
Trail Talk: Issue 31: Rapid Repeating Flashing Beacon
The new caution lighting system at the corner of Indiana State Road 14 and Hathaway Street in Winamac was part of the Panhandle Pathway north trail extension and is called a Rapid Repeating Flashing Beacon (RRFB). This combination of lights and signs are in place there to add an extra margin of safety when crossing the highway. This traffic warning system is intended to raise awareness of motorists, pedestrians, and bicycle riders.
It is important to note here that this new flashing beacon is not a stop light. Trail users crossing at this intersection still need to wait until traffic is clear, press the RRFB activation button and then proceed across the highway with caution.
These two solar powered signs consist of yellow and white rectangular shaped flashing indicator lights, each with a light-emitting diode (LED). These RRFBs are placed on both sides of the crosswalk and are activated by the pedestrian or bicycle rider. A pushbutton, located at he bottom of each sign post activates the flashing beacon. When activated, the flashing warning light stays on and flashes for approximately 20 seconds. According to the Federal Highway Administration, these signs significantly improve motorists’ awareness of pedestrians and bicycle riders when approaching the intersection.
Have something to say about the Panhandle Pathway? Please share: www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/
