SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bike-railroad-tracks

What is the safest way to cross railroad tracks on a bike?

At a right angle, straight across the rails.

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  1. Ride along the rail to stay steady
  2. At a shallow slant, fast
  3. Straight across, at a right angle ✔

Why: A narrow bike tire can drop into the groove next to a rail and get stuck. Crossing at a right angle, square to the tracks, lets the wheel roll right over.

Huh, didn't know that: Wet tracks are slippery, so cross upright and don't brake hard on them.

The dad joke
Why did the bike cross the tracks at a right angle? It wanted to be on the right track.
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References

Answer: Straight across, at a right angle. A narrow bike tire can drop into the groove next to a rail and get stuck. Crossing at a right angle, square to the tracks, lets the wheel roll right over.

  1. League of American Bicyclists: Rules of the Road bikeleague.org/ridesmart/rules-of-the-road
    Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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