Why U.S. cities are installing streetcar tracks dangerous to bicyclists in the year 2016 | Bicycle Tucson

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

The project requires an American-made rail because it was awarded a federal stimulus grant, which includes a “buy American” clause. That prevented the team from using the European-made Girder Rail, which has the smallest gap of any rail type. . . .

He said Portland has decided to use Block Rail for their new streetcar line and that other cities will be looking toward that project. He said if it goes well, Block Rail will become the standard rail used for streetcar projects throughout the United States. . . .

Taunton said in addition to the Tee Rail’s gap being wider, one side of the track is concrete which poses additional problems.

“First of all, it is a wider gap than other rail types. And the concrete tends to chip away,” he said.

The chipping of the concrete makes the gap even wider, making it more dangerous for cyclists.

Block Rail uses steel on both sides, which prevents the chipping.

Glock said they are “acutely aware” of the safety and maintenance issues associated with using Tee Rail . . .

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Why U.S. cities are installing streetcar tracks dangerous to bicyclists in the year 2016 | Bicycle Tucson

MoBikeFed comment: The situation authorities faced in Tucson, and very well analyzed by Bicycle Tucson, is faced by cities across the U.S.

In particular, both Kansas City and St. Louis are currently in the process of installing streetcar tracks that are far more dangerous to bicyclists than they need to be--all because of federal regulations around the purchase of streetcar rails.

This situation needs to change.

In the meanwhile, we can only warn Missouri bicyclists to stay well away from the new streetcar tracks in St. Louis and Kansas City.

- Choose other routes if you can

- Always cross the tracks at a 90 degree angle; never cross tracks that are running parallel to your direction of travel

- The slots in these tracks are deep enough to grab either your front OR your rear wheel and cause you to have a serious fall