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Network Rail took its level crossing safety campaign to a pedestrian crossing in the heart of Cannock Chase last weekend (15 May) to get the message across to thousands of mountain bikers who use it every weekend.

Moors Gorse crossing off Marquis Drive goes over the railway line between Rugeley Town and Hednesford stations, where trains travel at up to 50 mph. There are metal gates for local residents to bring vehicles across but cyclists and pedestrians use small side gates.

The recent opening of a new mountain bike trail has led to the crossing being used by over 3,000 bike riders every weekend. Consequently, Network Rail, British Transport Police and Forestry Commission representatives spent the day at the crossing talking to them to make sure they know how to use the crossing safely.

Gemma Duffy, Network Rail’s community safety manager, who was at the crossing said: “It was quite frightening at one stage because there were so many people trying to cross that they backed up across the railway line, completely blocking it. There are whistle boards instructing train drivers to sound their horns as they approach the crossing but the consequences of that volume of people not being able to move to safety do not bear thinking about.”

Andy Coggins, the Forestry Commission's visitor services manager at Cannock Chase said: "Cannock Chase has always been very popular with visitors as a place to relax or keep fit by walking or biking. Facilities have been improved with support and funding from Sport England so more people are able to come and enjoy the forest.  But safety has to come first. Before the improvements the railway was crossed safely thousands of times over a weekend and we really need to remind visitors to have a little patience and take their time."

Network Rail has been monitoring the crossing in recent weeks and has witnessed cyclists:-

• Not dismounting before crossing and then struggling to open the gate on the far side, putting them in danger of being hit by a train
• Not looking before opening the gates
• Crossing in opposite directions and getting bunched up in the middle
• Streaming over the crossing in the wake of a vehicle legitimately opening the metal gates

On one occasion a cyclist stopped at the gates, heard an approaching train sound its horn and decided to dash across in front of it. When challenged, he maintained that he could not see what he had done wrong.

The crossing is perfectly safe if used correctly so Network Rail will be working with the British Transport Police in the coming weeks to make sure everyone who uses it does so in a responsible manner.