Solo crash at Burke Gilman Trail
reported by Lisa Dunnwald
Date: 2009-11-14
Crash type: Solo crash
Geometry: Trail conditions
Description: Clear, cold sunny morning (8 a.m.) I had crossed the S-shaped tracks ~45 min earlier westbound and was now heading home eastbound. Frost on the rubber mat or railroad tracks caused my bike to quickly slide out from under me. I went down on my left side and my head slammed against the pavement. There was nothing I could have done to avoid this crash. I have crossed this set of tracks for over 10+ years without incident. I can now attest, with many others, that in certain weather conditions, this track crossing is extremely hazardous and alternate routes should be considered. Add note to this report
Factors & Lessons
Factor: Frost_condensation not visible to the eye
Lesson: Stay off the bike if temps are near freezing level
Conditions
Weather: Clear
Lighting: Dawn_dusk
Visibility: Good
Using bike lights: Yes
Wearing helmet: Yes
Road conditions: Dry
Traffic: Light
Additional conditions description: clear and cold
Cyclist
Cyclist age: 43
Cyclist gender: F
Cyclist experience: Expert
Bicycle type: Road
Injuries: Serious
Injury description: 4 cm full thickness lip laceration, deeply bruised left wrist, bloody nose, head/pavement contact, cracked helmet
Location
Location type: Trail
Location description: S-shaped railroad track crossing with rubber mats on either side on the Burke Gilman Trail
Location: Burke Gilman Trail, Seattle, WA 98107, USA
Lat/Lng: 47.6580349600954, -122.365030646324
Crash ID: 370