Cyclist almost crushed by train after ignoring level crossing barriers

This is the shocking moment a cyclist narrowly escapes being crushed by a train after ignoring level crossing barriers.

The young woman was just inches from death in what police said was one of the closest near-misses they have ever seen.

After pedalling past the barriers, the cyclist edged her front wheel onto the tracks but immediately pulls back as the oncoming train thunders past.

The train driver hit the emergency brake after the incident in Waterbeach, Cambs and police are now trying to track down the cyclist.

Richard Schofield, Network Rail route managing director, said: “This is one of the closest incidents of near miss we’ve seen.

“The person using the crossing not only didn’t hear the train but ignored the warning lights and barriers, putting her life, the lives of passengers and the train driver in danger.

“Warning systems at level crossings are there for a reason, to protect users from the railway.”

The near miss took place at 6.30pm, on 12 September, at the level crossing which sees more than 100 trains a day speed through at up to 75mph.

PC Matt Mildinhall(corr), the investigating officer, said: “The footage shows a woman approach the crossing around 6.30pm as the barriers are down.

“She passes through the barriers and onto the line before breaking hard, just seconds before a train passes through.”

He added: “This woman simply put her life on the line by not only ignoring the warning lights but went through the barriers and onto the line.

“We are very keen to speak to her about the incident and explain the danger she not only put herself in but others around the crossing at the time.”

Jay Thompson Greater Anglia’s Head of Safety said: “The train driver reacted very quickly when he spotted the cyclist and took all necessary action in responding to this incident.

“Not only was this incident very traumatic for the driver, but it could have resulted in the cyclist being killed.

“It is really important that everyone follows the safety instructions at level crossings.”

Recent research by Network Rail showed a third of people (32%) believe they would hear a train in time to move out of the way.