Level Crossing Near-Miss: Cyclist Cheats Death

Police are looking for a cyclist who was nearly killed when she ignored barriers at a level crossing moments before a train hurtled past.

Footage shows the woman approaching the Waterbeach crossing in Cambridgeshire when the barriers are down.

She passes through the barriers and on to the line before braking hard. Just seconds later the trains passes.

The driver of the train had to apply the emergency brake before the cyclist stepped back, narrowly avoiding being struck.

Footage of the September 12 incident has been released by the British Transport Police in an attempt to identify the woman and highlight the dangers of misusing level crossings.

PC Matt Mildinhall said: "This woman simply put her life on the line by not only ignoring the warning lights but went through the barriers and on to 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."

More than 100 trains a day travel through Waterbeach level crossing, reaching speeds of up to 75mph (120 kph).

Network Rail route managing director Richard Schofield 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."

Jay Thompson, Greater Anglia's head of safety, said that thankfully the train driver reacted very quickly.

"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," he said.

:: Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 quoting background reference B8/LNA of 25/09/2013.