Danger, Will Robinson, Danger

More of “Randy rides ‘round” Atlanta

The author leaned against his bike against an elevated train pier while photographing a dangerous rail crossing. Photo by the author.

“Over the hills, and into the valley, to a mountain bike trail I did go.” — The title of today’s bike ride in Strava

Always Ride Across Railroad Tracks at a Right Angle

Dangerous bike trail — railroad crossing, somewhere near the border of Atlanta and Decatur, Georgia. Photo by the author.

“Danger, Will Robinson!” The Robot in the Lost in Space television series warning Will Robinson of danger

Cycling is a dangerous sport. As a bicycle safety advocate (read this), I am concerned when I see hazardous situations on bike trails and roadways.

A problem I frequently see is an iron sewer grate near a road’s edge, with slots parallel to the road. Narrow road bike tires can catch in the grate, throwing the rider over the handlebars and slamming them into the pavement.

Railroad crossings pose risks for cyclists, even when they run perpendicular to a cyclist’s path. However, look at the photo of the rail crossing above. Do you see anything wrong with this picture? This is a section of the…