FOOTAGE of a cyclist involved in a “horrifying” near-miss with a speeding train has been released as part of a new warning about the dangers of using level crossings. The drama was captured on film at Ducketts level crossing, situated on Daleside Road between Pudsey and Laisterdyke, last summer, one of 18 incidents at the site over the last 18 months.

The busy crossing, said to be one of the most high-risk in the area, sits on the line between Leeds and Bradford Interchange which sees around 127 trains per day traveling at speeds of up to 60mph.

As well as the “near-fatal” incident with the cyclist, other incidents have included the phones at the crossing being left off the hook, the crossing gates being left open, and drivers entering the crossing whilst the red warning lights are on.

Network Rail, which owns, manages, and develops Britain's railways, said in addition to endangering lives, every incident caused delays to passengers, with Ducketts crossing seeing 764 minutes of delays over the last 18 months, costing the taxpayer £14,260.

Vicki Beadle, community safety manager at Network Rail, said: “We are investing more than £100m to improve level crossing safety across Britain, but we also need everyone who uses level crossings to do their bit too.

“We cannot stress enough the danger cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists are placing themselves in when they don’t use the crossing safely.

“When a cyclist approaches a level crossing, they should dismount their bike and check that no trains are coming from both directions before they cross.

“The footage shows just how close this cyclist came to being struck, and most likely killed by the train.

“People need to realise how a split-second decision to ignore safety procedures can have life changing consequences, not only for themselves, but also for their family and friends.

“These type of incidents also affect train drivers and railway workers, who have to deal with the aftermath.”

Footage of other near misses at Ducketts level crossing show the narrow escape of car with a trailer and young girls playing on the crossing.

Chief Inspector Lorna McEwan, of British Transport Police, added: “This cyclist was one of the lucky ones.

“Sadly there are many people who have not been as fortunate, and I have had the heart-breaking job of telling families that their loved ones has been killed at crossings or on the tracks.

“Despite our constant warnings about using crossings safely and the dangers of the railway, incredibly some people are still willing to put their lives on the line by ignoring crossing instructions, not looking properly or by trying to dash across crossings when trains are approaching.

"Most accidents are as a result of impatience, not being prepared to wait and trying to beat the train.

“People risk their lives thinking it won’t happen to me, but it can and it does and it’s simply not worth the risk.”

Network Rail said that since the incident, it had made a series of improvements to improve safety at the crossing.

To find out how to stay safe when using level crossings, visit www.networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings.

 

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