I thought ski club members would like to know thisRailroad crossing .
From: Gary Beyer [mailto:gwbeyer.gb@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2015 10:10 AM
Subject: Beware of railroad track crossing on C Street near The Shack
We have had two bicycle crashes that I know of on the northbound lane crossing the tracks on C Street. One crash resulted in a broken finger and the other in scrapes and bruises. These are only people from our group. I suspect there are many more.
There are two problems, a large pothole in one of the concrete crossing "modules", and a rather large diagonal step between adjacent modules that if hit just right WILL take you down. See pictures below.
I called the Cedar Rapids Streets Department , who referred me to the Police Dept. who referred me back to the Streets Department, who said they would be contracting the railroad. They took my number so the railroad could call me if they had any questions. That was 3 days ago. I have not heard back. There was no marking or warning of any kind last night when we took these pictures. The first picture is of the pothole alone and the second is of the step and pothole together. Thanks to Fred for the pictures!
I have copied the streets department on this email and Fred has also contacted someone he knows at the railroad (I believe it's Union Pacific).
Until something is done, be very careful when crossing the tracks when returning from the Shack or a ride on C Street. Staying in the left half of the lane will get you around the problem area.
Feel free to forward this email to other area bikers and bike groups who may encounter this problem area.
Gary Beyer
319-310-5736
I received a photo from a Rockwell Bicycling Community member:
