Rail Road Crossings

Stay Safe at Railroad Crossings

Now is a good time to take a look at hazards that may cause problems for cyclists. Railroad crossings can be a problem in rural and urban bike routes. Even trails cross railroads.

The important tip for cyclists to remember is to cross at perpendicular line to avoid getting a tire caught between the flange of the rail and the gap in the pavement. Sometimes the gaps are filled with rubberized materials to help prevent tires from slipping in the gap. However, treat all crossings as suspect to swallowing your wheel and possibly throwing you from the bike.

Often rails cross roadways to an angle. Cyclists should still try to cross perpendicular to the tracks. The photo shows a trail that goes out of it's way to cross the tracks perpendicular. Your track on the road should follow the same path. Be sure to check if your lane is clear and you don't have overtaking traffic before moving into the lane. It's a good idea to signal a change in lane positions.

This particular example is one of the toughest crossings to make when on the road. Your path would take you into the traffic lane after you cross the tracks. If they rails cross at the other angle, you can make the move to the traffic lane before you cross. In the pictured example, you really need to be aware of surrounding traffic conditions.

If you choose to approach a trail at an angle that is too steep, you run the risk of getting a tire caught in the tracks. The pictures shows what can happen. In this example, a sidepath has gates to direct the cyclists to slow before crossing. The gates are installed backwards and direct the bike to cross in correctly. The result can be damage to the wheel and injury to the rider.

Stay safe.
Cross perpendicular.
Choose your lane position carefully.
Watch for traffic.
Signal as needed.