[sustran] Re: Bikes & Train Tracks

[International Bicycle Fund]

Goodyear company makes a rubber rail track crossing design
to improve safety for bicyclists and compatible with trains.
Several other companies also have products but Goodyear's is
considered the best.

~ INTERNATIONAL BICYCLE FUND ~
Promoting sustainable transport and understanding worldwide
Email: ibike at ibike.org   Internet: http://www.ibike.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Gerry Hawkes <ghawkes at sover.net>
To: sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org
<sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org>
Cc: alhostet at rhcc.com <alhostet at rhcc.com>
Date: Wednesday, September 22, 1999 5:31 PM
Subject: [sustran] Bikes & Train Tracks


Dear Sustrans Members,

I just received the following inquiry from a doctor in
Virginia, USA.   Does
anyone know of a solution to this problem?


>>I am a physician practicing in Virginia who is also an
avid biker and a
>>promoter of bike safety. I noticed the "blurb" about your
company in the
>>MEDA newsletter. I have been troubled by the dangers that
bike riders
>>face when crossing railroad tracks, particularly tracks
that are diagonal
>>and nearly parallel to the road. We have two such
crossings in our city
>>and every year we see several serious accidents in our
Emergency Room
>>caused by the bike wheel getting caught in the "gap"
beside the rails,
>>and throwing the rider to the pavement.  Who knows how
many less serious
>>accidents go unreported.  The city has placed warning
signs but have
>>taken no further steps to protect bikers. The railroad is
"unresponsive"
>>to put it kindly.  Do you know of any solutions to this
problem? Are you
>>aware of any device that could be placed in the gap that
would support a
>>bike but be compressed by a  train wheel? If you have any
leads or could
>>direct me to bulletin boards where these problems are
discussed I would
>>be most appreciative.

Best regards,

Gerry Hawkes
Bike Track, Inc.
P.O. Box 235
Woodstock, VT 05091                 ghawkes at biketrack.com

www.biketrack.com