Train and tram tracks can be hazardous, even for experienced riders – the gaps between the rails and pavement can swallow your wheel, and wet tracks can cause your tyres to slide out from under you.
In terms of official crossing points, always slow down and ensure there is no train coming. You should never cross when it is not safe or if lights are flashing.
Once it’s OK to to cross, you should always position your bike to be perpendicular to the rails – but be sure to look out for perpendicular gaps, as well.
“Moisture will make the tracks slippery, so significantly decrease your speed before you cross them,” says Shannon Koller, director of education for the Cascade Bicycle Club. “Keep your bike upright, not leaning to one side or the other, and level your pedals to the 3 and 9 o’clock positions. Then stand up and let your arms and legs absorb some of the bounce as you go over the tracks.”
Check out the best way to cross train or tram tracks in this video supplied by our American sister title Bicycling.
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