City earns distinction as bicycle-friendly

safe and insures their basic needs are met. The guardian is the decision-making authority for the veteran – they may need to make decisions ranging from where the veteran should live, to what groceries or clothing they should buy, to making major healthcare decisions for the veteran.

The Dayton area is currently experiencing a shortage of volunteer guardians for veterans in need. As a result, the Dayton VAMC will offset volunteers’ costs associated with filing to become a guardian with the local probate court.

A volunteer willing to serve as a guardian for these veterans can make an enormous impact on the quality of life the veteran is able to live.

To learn more about how to become a volunteer guardian for veterans in need, please contact Katina Stone-Jones at the Dayton VA Medical Center: 937-268-6511, Ext. 2890.

The City of Miamisburg has been awarded honorable mention status in the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) program. It is the first time Miamisburg has been recognized in the program.

This designation is a result of the efforts of the City and its Bike Friendly Task Force to create a more bike-friendly community and promote safe bicycling among residents. Achievements in recent years, include:

■ Implementation of a Bike Friendly Business program in the City’s downtown district in which over 20 businesses participate by offering parking, water and restroom access to bicyclists.

■ Installation of “sharrows” on several downtown streets. These street markings identify shared lanes for vehicles and bicycles designed to improve safety for both motorists and bicyclists.

■ Serving as host to a variety of cycling events, including the major statewide Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure that attracted approximately 1,600 riders to the community in 2016.

■ The announcement that Miamisburg would host the 2019 Miami Valley Cycling Summit.

According to the League, there are currently 430 Bicycle Friendly Communities in all 50 states. The organization says over 85 million Americans reside in a League-designated BFC.

City Manager Keith Johnson said the Bike Friendly Task Force will continue to implement key strategies that involve residents, schools and businesses to create a safe and economically beneficial cycling atmosphere in the community with the hopes of attaining bronze status in the BFC next year.

Residents interested in serving on the Task Force may contact Recreation Superintendent Kim Winter at kim.winter@cityofmiamisburg.org. For more information about the League of American Bicyclists, visit bikeleague.org.