To avoid getting caught in the rails and falling heavily, mathematics is essential. American researchers have found the optimal angle of attack.
No, it’s not an April Fool’s Day in the middle of August. American researchers at the University of Tennessee have studied the angle with which to approach the rails by bicycle, in order to avoid falls. They even published their results in a scientific journal, the Journal of transport & health, a serious publication.
Scientists analyzed bicycle crossings at a crossroads with a railway track, which requires crossing the rails at a low angle. Thanks to a camera installed on the crossing, they observed the comings and goings for two months, which represents 2000 crossings and 32 falls, sometimes heavy!
Two thirds of cyclists are affected
Their conclusions: the critical angle is 30 °. Below this, the risk of falling is significant. Beyond that, they are weaker, and become zero for an angle of attack of 60 °.
Studying can be a source of laughter, but the risk is very real. If few studies exist on bicycle accidents caused by crossing the rails of trains or trams (sic!), Surveys carried out show that many cyclists have been the victims.
A survey carried out in Portland (United States) had shown that two thirds of the more than 1,500 people questioned had already fallen while crossing railroads. Another one, carried out in Switzerland on electric bicycle users, revealed that 22% of injuries occurred after a fall related to crossing tram rails. And it is even sometimes the main cause of fall among urban cyclists.
Let’s quibble a bit
Sometimes serious falls, which can cause serious injuries, and even secondary accidents when the cycle lanes are close – or on – the automobile traffic lanes, as is the case in the video above.
To avoid dangerous crossings, researchers at the University of Tennessee propose to build small baffles on the bike paths near the railroads, in the shape of a “pitcher handle”. They should be designed so that the rails approach perpendicularly.
Otherwise, in the meantime, for those who have the compass – or rather the protractor – in the eye, it is advisable to aim at least 60 °. Or for others, to get off a bike: ridicule does not kill, while a bad fall …
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