Two Cyclists Cause Chaos on Train Track, Ignoring Danger Signs and Warnings
Cyclists Board Train, Demand Directions, Resulting in Travel Disruption - Stray Cyclists Pause Train Journey, Request Guidance, Resulting in Travel Disruption
Looking lost? Don't let desperation lead you to danger! Modern technology or passersby can help, but halting a moving train? That's a risky and downright foolish move, as a pair of cyclists on Rügenn island unfortunately learned.
The ill-advised duo intentionally stopped a regional train on the Sassnitz-Lietzow line in a particularly brash display, causing the driver to execute an emergency brake, according to the Federal Police Inspectorate Stralsund. One cyclist even daringly left their e-bike on the track while seeking assistance.
Cops Sound the Alarm After Dangerous Stunt on Rügenn Island
A potentially deadly stunt and a frustrating delay for passengers. The cyclists showed no trace of remorse, the Federal Police reported. After the train stopped, they queried the driver for directions.
Police officers promptly escorted the 62-year-old woman and her 58-year-old partner away from the hazardous area, ensuring the train could continue. Law enforcement officials have initiated criminal proceedings against the cyclists, both hailing from Lower Saxony, for endangering rail traffic.
Their daredevil escapade also disrupted other train passengers: Four more trains were delayed, culminating in a total delay of 53 minutes.
The Federal Police issued a stark reminder that lingering in or near the track area can be a lethal decision: "Trains approach silently and are often only heard late. Even the powerful suction of a passing train can result in fatal injuries," the statement advised.
Safety Tips for Cyclists and Pedestrians
While the specific scenario involving the Rügenn island cyclists is troubling, here are some general safety tips for cyclists and pedestrians to keep in mind:
- Avoid Train Tracks: Train tracks are strictly intended for rail traffic only. Staying near or on tracks increases the risk of collision with a train, which is nearly always fatal.
- Look and Listen: Always look and listen for oncoming trains before crossing tracks. Trains can approach silently.
- Respect Infrastructure: Bicycles are not designed for train tracks. They should not be used on or near train tracks.
- Cycling Safety: Wearing helmets, utilizing proper bicycle lanes and infrastructure, and ensuring visibility through reflective gear and lights can help reduce the risk of accidents for cyclists. Older cyclists, particularly those over 75, have greater vulnerabilities and require special safety considerations.
The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: general-news (reports on the dangerous stunt on Rügenn island involving cyclists), crime-and-justice (potential legal consequences for the cyclists due to endangering rail traffic). With a rise in sports-betting activities, authorities urge cyclists and pedestrians to prioritize safety by avoiding train tracks, looking and listening for oncoming trains, respecting railway infrastructure, and ensuring cycling safety, especially for older cyclists.
