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Amtrak Pacific Surfliner's Commitment to Safety in Micromobility

As bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters gain popularity in Southern California, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is prioritizing safety. September marks Rail Safety Month, a critical time for raising awareness among travelers about the best practices when navigating around train stations and tracks.

The recent push towards micromobility has led to increased ridership at train stations, but it also presents unique safety challenges. Cyclists and e-bike users often face risks at railway crossings and platforms, where accidents could occur due to distractions or incorrect assessments of a train’s speed. To combat these issues, Pacific Surfliner is launching a community art campaign to convey vital safety tips in easily accessible locations along the route.

Why Focus on Safety Now?

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by alarming statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, linking e-bikes to over 155,000 emergency room visits and approximately 310 deaths from 2017 to 2024. In 2024 alone, over 59,200 of these visits were reported. Additionally, around 380,000 emergency room visits were associated with scooters during the same timeframe. These numbers illustrate the increasing risks as micromobility options become more commonplace.

At Rady Children’s Health in Orange County, a significant rise in e-bike-related injuries has been observed, marking this as a rising trend. The local communities, acknowledging these threats, are actively working with schools and law enforcement to implement safety measures aimed at reducing such incidents.

Community Engagement for Safety Awareness

As part of Rail Safety Month, the Pacific Surfliner has joined forces with California Operation Lifesaver and artist Fnu Clarissa to produce eye-catching artworks that highlight safety reminders. These pieces will be strategically displayed in several key stations, including Santa Fe Station in San Diego and the Union Station in Los Angeles, starting September 1.

Each installation will feature a clear safety message along with a QR code directing viewers to additional resources on rail safety practices. By making this information available where it’s needed most, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner aims to empower travelers to make safer decisions while enjoying their journeys.

Steps Cyclists and Scooter Users Should Follow

To ensure a safer environment for all, users are encouraged to adopt several safety practices:

• - Always cross railway tracks at designated crossings.
• - Slow down as you approach crossings and make sure to check for trains.
• - Obey all warning signals, signs, and barriers.
• - Look for the blue and white Emergency Notification System signs at crossings, and call the emergency number if any vehicle or person becomes stuck on the tracks.
• - Dismount from bikes or scooters before crossing tracks to avoid wheels getting stuck in the rails.
• - Wait until rail barriers lift completely and signals stop flashing before proceeding.
• - Eliminate distractions such as cell phones and headphones when near tracks.

Upcoming Events and Partnerships

The Pacific Surfliner is also hosting an Operation Clear Track event on September 23, where community safety education will be brought directly to areas identified as high-risk for trespassing incidents. Local law enforcement and community partners will join this initiative to ensure that vital information reaches those who need it most.

Those interested in safety practices and initiatives can get involved by visiting PacificSurfliner.com/Pledge. There’s no requirement to make a purchase, but engagement with safety measures is encouraged to foster a safer travel environment for all.

About Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner spans a scenic 351-mile route serving San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, making it the busiest state-supported intercity rail service in the nation. To learn more and to plan your trip, visit PacificSurfliner.com.

Collaborations for Community Safety

In conjunction with the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner’s efforts are a partnership with California Operation Lifesaver, an organization focused on promoting awareness to prevent accidents and injuries across California’s railway systems.

Together, they aim to enhance passenger safety and create a community that not only embraces travel via micromobility but also does so safely.