Railroad Spur Track Crossing Technique for Bicyclists.

[szml]

I really hate non-perpendicular rails. Very dangerous. Bike lanes should be installed in such places to be able to cross the rails perpendicularly without having to do dangerous maneuvers across the road.

[kjfitzgerald593]

@szml Yes, I wish there was more paved room to the sides of these crossings, It would be quite helpful, and would reduce the number of times where a rider has to straddle the bike and walk while crossing the rails. In many cases, the roads are much busier than the one shown, and trying to get a gap in the traffic for a 90 degree crossing takes so long, that the straddle and walk maneuver takes less time than waiting for a gap.

[MegaZsolti]

erm 6:00 train :P

[semiballpenman]

Thank you for this video.

[kjfitzgerald593]

@semiballpenman You are welcome. If it saves one cyclist from crashing, then making and posting this video was worthwhile.

[robertgift]

Well done!

Thank you also for showing the train and riding with it and showing the unusual way the trailers were carried on the railroad wheel trucks.

[kjfitzgerald593]

@robertgift Thanks! I was lucky that the train just happened to be coming while I was taping my video. I felt it would be fun to include the train.

Triple Crown Service trains use this railroad quite frequently now.

There was a bit more video footage of this train on the original tape, and you can find it on my channel by searching for "Norfolk Southern Triple Crown Train Hapeville, GA, USA June 2009."

[crlaw75]

One time, I crossed an angle crossing and the wheel of the bike grabbed the rail and I went forward off the bike. Learned my lesson there.

[kjfitzgerald593]

@crlaw75 I'm sorry that happened to you!

[kjfitzgerald593]

Thanks! That's good that you've never had trouble crossing the tracks in your area. If the rails are dry and match up well with the adjacent pavement, the danger is less, so you may be more fortunate than riders who use the worst crossings shown in my video.

When I was 16, I saw a 47 year old rider have his bike zinged out from under him when he didn't get a proper angle to a wet spur track surrounded by asphalt. He ended up running down the road instead of falling! Good luck with your videos!

[bullfrog1954]

I'm an avid biker myself-have been for 30+ yrs, and have crossed many a RR crossing. I also shoot video (8mm digital & hi-def) while riding! In my area we have RR trails that parallel tracks, occasionally jumping to the other side. Oddly enough, I've had no trouble crossing tracks on my bike-whether at a 90 degree angle or skewed, and have never had to take wide turns to do so. My "secret" is just slowing down a bit-common sense-and maintaining control of my handlebars. Just be careful!

[metroliner89]

WOOT!!!!!!! NS!

[maxwellmovies]

Recorded on a Sony Handycam?

[kjfitzgerald593]

@maxwellmovies - Yes, that was recorded on a Sony DCR-HC52, which uses Mini DV tape. It's small and easy to carry on a bike. There are smaller Handycams, but they use other media, and I still like tape the best, for now. Thanks for watching!

[maxwellmovies]

@kjfitzgerald593 I knew it! I have a very similar camera, and also get that DV whine/hum. Very nice cameras and do the job for me also :)

[johnyboy087]

i just cross, if a train is coming i will DEFINATLY know.

[WetDirtProductions]

I saw a guy eat it bad one day on wet rail.., and like most people, wasnt wearing a helmet. I felt really bad for him, he got up and kept goin though. I think the only thing he hurt was his ego. lmao

[crazyrailfan152]

are you a railfan

[kjfitzgerald593]

Yes, but not nearly as knowledgeable and experienced as most. I grew up around the Atlanta & West Point (CSX) and Central of Georgia (NS). I've ridden on steam specials, Amtrak, heavy rail, streetcars, and set up model trains on the floor, but I can't identify diesel locomotives at a glance yet. I hope to post a steam photo runby on YouTube next chance I get.

[crazyrailfan152]

what railroad is that

[kjfitzgerald593]

That is the old Central of Georgia line that goes between Atlanta, Macon and Savannah, GA. It is now part of the Norfolk Southern system. The Nancy Hanks passenger train once ran on that line.

[mdemory]

thankz