A motorcyclist narrowly avoided being hit by a high speed train last week, in an incident that has put the spotlight on the safety of motorcyclists riding near or across railway property.
The incident was recorded on the train's camera, which shows the driver using the horn to warn the rider. As the footage plays out, we see that the rider has to abandon his motorcycle in order to escape the train.
A crashing sound can be heard as the train crushes the bike.
Colin Sharp, the train driver, said he didn’t have time to stop the train, which was running at 160km/h.
The driver initially thought the train had struck the rider, as he didn’t appear to move out of the way in time. However, fortunately this did not prove to be the case.
The footage appears to show that the bike is caught in the tracks and that the rider is trying to free it.
According to Mr Sharp the bike was just 55 yards away from the official railway crossing.
The incident took place in Victoria, Australia, but serves as a reminder to UK motorcyclists, too.
In May 2014 a 37 year old lost his life when he was hit by a train in Stroud. Like the incident in Australia, the motorcycle involved was a scrambler. The train was travelling at 60mph.
This is what the UK’s Highway Code has to say about motorcycles in relation to level crossings and open crossings:
A level crossing is where a road crosses a railway or tramway line. Approach and cross it with care. Never drive onto a crossing until the road is clear on the other side and do not get too close to the car in front. Never stop or park on, or near, a crossing.
Open crossings. These have no gates, barriers, attendant or traffic lights but will have a ‘Give Way’ sign. You should look both ways, listen and make sure there is no train coming before you cross.
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