Dutch cyclist comes within inches of being hit by train at level crossing
The Netherlands train authority has released CCTV footage as a warning
Shocking video footage has emerged of the moment a Dutch cyclist came within inches of being hit by a train at a level crossing.
CCTV footage of the incident has been released by the rail authority in the Netherlands to warn the public of the dangers presented by level crossings.
ProRail, the organisation responsible for railway maintenance, posted the video on social media with a warning that two people die at level crossings each year.
Geert Vlogman of ProRail said: "As well as deaths, there are more than a hundred near-misses annually.
“If only people knew how often this almost goes wrong and what the consequences are for train drivers, guards, first responders, aid workers and survivors if things do go wrong – it’s hard to imagine people thinking that way.”
>>> Cyclist says ‘I’m going to die at this roundabout’ after filming near misses
Vlogman’s responsibility is to decide which measures need to be take to prevent deaths at level crossings in the Netherlands.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Footage of the near miss was released after the death of a 47-year-old man at an unguarded crossing in Santpoort, North Holland on Saturday, November 17.
The 50-second video clip of the near miss was posted on Facebook by ProRail on Friday.
https://www.facebook.com/ProRail/videos/266575980716675/
It shows the cyclist waiting at the level crossing while a train passes in one direction.
But as soon as the first train is gone, the cyclist rolls out into the middle of the tracks, apparently without looking in the opposite direction.
A double-decker train rapidly approaches the cyclist, who doesn’t see it until the very last second.
Fortunately, they are able to push out of the way, the train narrowly missing the back wheel of the bike.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
‘I am in love with Unbound Gravel’ - new documentary celebrates three unsung and behind-the-scenes heroes of race
Shimano's new documentary 'Unsung' shares the stories of three "behind-the-scenes" people who make Unbound Gravel happen each year: a sports photographer, a bike mechanic, and an event organizer.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
'One of the boys thinks I’ll be walking about in armour': Mark Cavendish knighted in ceremony at Windsor Castle
Manxman says he was “nervous” after being made a Knight Commander by Prince William
By Tom Thewlis Published