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Network Rail launches level crossing safety campaign aimed at cyclists

Riders urged to dismount at footpath crossings, remove headphones, and be aware that other trains may follow

Network Rail has unveiled a new campaign supported by Sustrans that warns bike riders of the dangers they can face at level crossings – with advice including dismounting at footpath crossings, and stopping when lights at crossings are amber, meaning a train is on its way.

Cyclists are also advised not to wear headphones, which can prevent them from hearing a train, as well as being aware that more than one train may be coming and not to rely on timetables to try and anticipate when the track may be clear.

According to Network Rail, during the past five years there have been approximately 140 incidents in which cyclists have experienced near misses or worse when using level crossings, with four of those resulting in the death of a rider.

Victims include Adrian Smith, killed when he was struck by a train at the Cattishall level crossing in Great Barton, Suffolk in March 2013.

A coroner’s inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death, with the train driver involved telling the court Mr Smith had been wearing headphones and was looking the wrong way.

In 2013, a woman from Cambridge was cautioned by British Transport Police after CCTV showed her almost get hit by a train as she attempted to ride her bike across a level crossing as it approached.

Network Rail’s 100 level crossing managers will visit cycling clubs and groups throughout Britain to get the safety message across, as well as looking to make leisure cyclists aware of it.

One level crossing manager, David John, said: “As a keen cyclist myself, I know the hazards that riders encounter every day.

“Level crossings can sometimes seem to be a hindrance, but to keep safe we’re reminding cyclists to stop when the flashing amber lights come on as a train will soon coming through, and to dismount at footpath crossings.

“I know getting off the bike isn’t always ideal but I do this to make sure I can safely stop, look and listen to check no train is coming, and to protect my bike as I wheel it across.

“We’ve seen quite a few cyclists get their wheels stuck while crossing the tracks, so this will help keep your bike as well as you safe.”

Huw Davies, National Cycle Network director at Sustrans, added: “Getting on your bike is a quick way of going from A to B for everyday journeys, but is also a good way to stay healthy and explore the countryside through the National Cycle Network.

“With there being thousands of level crossings on roads and cycle routes, it’s important that when the public are out and about this summer enjoying the Sustrans Network they are aware of how to use these crossings in a safe and sensible manner.

“Level crossings can be confusing to people who aren’t used to using them, but by following a few simple rules people can learn how to cross them with safety and confidence.”

Network Rail says it is investing £100 million by the end of the decade to make level crossings safer, and has already closed 950 crossings during the past five years.

As part of the programme, it has been replacing footpath crossings with footbridges, as well as putting warning lights in place at remaining ones and introducing technology such as radar to detect obstacles, safety camera enforcement vans, plus spoken warnings to alert people that “another train is coming” when the first train has passed.

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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12 comments

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DaveE128 | 8 years ago
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I can understand the advice to dismount if the rails are at a stupid angle to the road/path, but I've never seen such a crossing - the path/road always seems to kink to produce a perpendicular crossing.

I cannot understand how tottering around on cleats is safer than riding over after adequately checking that it is clear/obeying the signals depending on the crossing type.

Suspect that the people who decided on this don't ride bikes.

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a.jumper replied to DaveE128 | 8 years ago
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DaveE128 wrote:

I can understand the advice to dismount if the rails are at a stupid angle to the road/path, but I've never seen such a crossing - the path/road always seems to kink to produce a perpendicular crossing.

Sadly not: https://goo.gl/maps/qCI06 https://goo.gl/maps/gxKYJ to name two truly evil disused-or-nearly stupid-angle layouts I've ridden. I'm sure there are plenty left on the current live network too.

Quote:

I cannot understand how tottering around on cleats is safer than riding over after adequately checking that it is clear/obeying the signals depending on the crossing type.

Suspect that the people who decided on this don't ride bikes.

I agree. Even on a square crossing, without cleats, it's much harder to push across than ride.

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a.jumper | 8 years ago
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Some footpath crossings have small warning lights if they're on a bend or visibility is otherwise obstructed.

Dismount? Stupid advice. Has anyone from network rail or Sustrans tried it? You won't be able to hold the gate open against their strong springs and push the bike through the required turn, at least on two near me, both of which are on shared paths.

If they want to improve safety, build more cycleable bridges to replace crossings. But a few posters and blaming some dead people is cheaper.

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alansmurphy | 8 years ago
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True, the poster doesn't match the message. If you got hit at the crossing in the picture then you're stupid. I think they're talking about crossing a line away from a busy road and/or station...

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bikebot | 8 years ago
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Any chance of them also making the crossings smart enough to not leave you waiting for ten minutes for a train that's actually stationary?

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zanf | 8 years ago
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Simon Walker | 8 years ago
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You've got to be suicidal to play chicken with a train, that or fucking mental

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ron611087 | 8 years ago
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The cyclists who put themselves at risk did so by ignoring the signals and the barriers. The solution is to obey the signals, I don't see the safety benefit of dismounting.

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Bhachgen replied to ron611087 | 8 years ago
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They're talking about footpath crossings which often don't have signals. They're not suggesting dismounting for crossings on the road.

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LarryDavidJr replied to Bhachgen | 8 years ago
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Bhachgen wrote:

They're talking about footpath crossings which often don't have signals. They're not suggesting dismounting for crossings on the road.

Not what it looks like from their poster though.

In fact their poster seems to show the footpath on the left disappearing into the bushes! Don't get hit by a train, get hit by a car on the other side of the crossing instead!

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Kadinkski | 8 years ago
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No. It's ignoring the warnings and going through the crossing anyway.

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Metaphor | 8 years ago
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The biggest danger is actually crossing the tracks at an angle!

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