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Rail Awareness in Nevada

Rail Awareness Blog

Trains and Bikes Don't Mix

Don’t Let a Ride Turn Into a Close Call or Worse: Bicycle Safety Around Trains and Tracks

Riding a bike is a great way to stay healthy, help the environment, and explore the great outdoors. But when your route takes you near train tracks or crossings, it’s time to shift gears—not just literally, but mentally.

Every year, preventable accidents happen because people on bikes underestimate the dangers of active railroad tracks. Whether you're commuting, cruising, exploring or training for your next race, here are the key things you need to know to stay safe around trains.


1. Trains Are Faster and Quieter Than You Think

Modern trains move fast—and they’re quieter than ever. That means you might not see or hear them until it’s too late. Always assume a track is active and a train could come at any time, from either direction.

🚨 Reminder: Trains can take more than a mile to come to a full stop. They can’t swerve, and they won’t see you in time to stop.

2. Use Marked Crossings Only

Never attempt to cross tracks in unmarked areas, such as shortcuts through vacant lots or gravel paths. Designated public crossings are the only legal and safe places to cross. They’re engineered with sightlines and signals to help protect you.

3. Cross Tracks at a Right Angle

Bike tires can easily get caught in the gap between the rail and pavement. To avoid this, approach the tracks at a 90-degree angle—even if that means slowing down and steering carefully. If the angle is too steep or the crossing is slick or uneven, walk your bike across.

4. Obey All Signals and Gates

Don’t try to beat the train. If the gates are down, lights are flashing, or bells are sounding, stop and wait—even if you don’t see a train. These signals are triggered well in advance to keep everyone safe.

🚴‍♀️ Tip: Getting around the gate or “just squeezing through” is illegal and dangerous. It’s not worth the risk. It may be your last ride.

5. Avoid Distractions

It only takes a second for a safe ride to become tragic. Keep your ears free of headphones and your eyes off your phone when near train tracks. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

6. Watch for Hazards

Tracks can be slippery when wet, and crossings might have loose gravel, uneven pavement, or gaps. Slow down and scan the area as you approach. If it looks too risky to ride over, walk your bike instead.

7. Plan Your Route Wisely

Use bike-friendly maps or apps to find safe, legal crossings and avoid unnecessary time near train tracks. In areas with frequent train activity, planning ahead can save you time and reduce risk.

Final Thought: Stay Smart, Stay Alive

Biking is an activity that many enjoy—but that activity comes with responsibility. When it comes to trains, there’sno room for shortcuts or risky moves. Respect the tracks. Respect the signals. And always put safety first!

If you see someone misusing a railroad crossing or tracks, say something. You might just save a life.

Don't Go Down the Wrong Track. Be Rail Aware! And Be Safe

On Track for Safety: How the Rail Auxiliary Team Supports the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey

Reno Tahoe Odyssey Support 2025

Every year, over a thousand runners lace up their shoes and take on the challenge of the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey—a 178-mile relay race that winds through the mountains, desert, and streets of Northern Nevada. While runners prepare for the physical test, another team is preparing behind the scenes to ensure the course remains safe—especially near active railroad tracks.

Enter the Rail Auxiliary Team

As the race route crosses and parallels several sets of train tracks—including busy freight lines—the Rail Auxiliary Team steps in to provide an extra layer of safety. Our mission is simple but vital: protect runners and prevent railroad-related incidents.

“Most people don’t realize just how fast and quietly a train can approach,” said Lynn Sandell, a team volunteer. “Our presence helps make sure no one crosses unsafely, especially when they’re tired and focused on the race.”

What We Do:

  • Monitor Crossings: Volunteers are stationed at the two key railroad crossings, Woodland Avenue in Reno, NV and .Stampede crossing in Truckee, CA.

  • Alert Train Traffic: Having notified the railroad about the upcoming event croosing their tracks, the team communicates any unusual hazards or emergencies near the tracks in a timely manner.

  • Educate Participants: During the event, volunteers keep runners and vehicles away from the tracks when a train is approaching and remind them to never walk on the tracks, use them as shortcuts, or ignore signals.

Why It Matters:

Train tracks may seem like just another part of the relay course, but the danger is very real. Freight trains can take over a mile to stop, and they don’t swerve. Even during a fun community event like the Odyssey, safety can never be taken for granted.

Thanks to the dedication of the Rail Auxiliary Team, the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey remains not only a test of endurance—but also an example of how community teamwork keeps everyone safe.

Thank you to this year's vokunteers that kept eveyone safe during the event by being vigilant and caring for the runners.

Don't go down the wrong track. Be Rail Aware and Be Safe.

Why Riding Your ATV on Railroad Tracks Could Be Your Last Ride

It might seem like a quick route or an off-road thrill, but railroad tracks are one place your ATV should never go. Here’s why.

The Temptation of the Tracks

If you’ve ever been out riding your ATV and come across a pair of railroad tracks, you might have felt that urge: This would be a fast way to cut through. Or maybe the path beside the tracks looks like an easy trail. I've been there—I know that feeling. But here’s the thing: railroad tracks are not trails. They’re active, dangerous transportation corridors, and riding on or near them puts you directly in harm’s way.

A Tragic Reminder from Southern Nevada

In October 2022, two Las Vegas men, Peter James Kane (52) and Ryan Thomas Kane (24), tragically lost their lives when their off-road vehicle was struck by a train near Jean, Nevada. This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder that the risks of riding on or near railroad tracks are very real and often fatal.

Why It’s So Dangerous

  • Trains are deceptively fast. A train going 55 mph can be on top of you in seconds.

  • They can’t swerve or stop quickly. If you're on the track, you're in its path.

  • ATVs can get stuck. The rails and ties aren’t designed for rubber tires—your wheels can wedge, causing you to panic or stall.

  • It’s illegal. Riding on or even too close to railroad tracks is considered trespassing and can lead to fines or arrest. More importantly, it puts your life and the lives of others at risk.

It’s Not Just You at Risk

When an ATV is struck by a train, it’s not just the rider who suffers. Train crews are often traumatized by these accidents, and derailments can endanger entire communities. Emergency responders, families, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts all feel the ripple effects.

Safer Trails, Better Choices

There are hundreds of designated ATV trails across the country that are made for exploration, speed, and off-road fun. Use them. They’re maintained for safety, legal to ride, and come with far fewer life-threatening surprises. (A list of ATV Trail Resources is listed below.)

Final Thoughts

An ATV is made for adventure, not shortcuts. Railroad tracks might seem like a convenient path, but they’re a gamble with odds you can’t beat. Choose safety. Choose respect—for the railways, for your ride, and for your life.


ATV Trail Resources

🗺️ Nevada Trail Finder

This official statewide tool offers detailed maps and information on thousands of miles of trails across Nevada, including ATV, UTV, dirt bike, and overlanding routes. You can filter by activity, region, and difficulty, and even track your progress by creating a free account. Nevada Trail Finder

🛣️ Nevada Off-Highway Vehicle Program (OHV Nevada)

The state's official OHV portal provides trail maps, safety guidelines, and information on vehicle registration. It includes downloadable maps and links to the NV Trail Finder for the most updated trail information. ohv.nv.gov+1Nevada Trail Finder+1

📱 onX Offroad

onX Offroad is a GPS-based app that offers detailed trail maps, difficulty ratings, and user reviews. It's particularly useful for planning adventures in areas like Pahrump, Logandale, and the Silver State Trail System. Nevada Trail Finder+5onX Maps+5Reddit+5

🏜️ Travel Nevada – Off-Roading Guide

This guide provides an overview of Nevada's diverse off-road trails, from sand dunes to mountain passes. It includes information on various trail systems and connects you to local tourism resources. Travel Nevada

🧭 Avenza Maps

Avenza Maps offers georeferenced trail maps that can be downloaded for offline use. It's a valuable tool for navigating remote areas without cell service.RZR Forums+3Reddit+3ohv.nv.gov+3

🏞️ Silver State Trail System

This nationally recognized trail system spans approximately 260 miles through Lincoln County, with multiple trailheads near towns like Caliente and Pioche. The trails are well-marked and offer a variety of terrains suitable for different skill levels. ohv.nv.gov+1Travel Nevada+1

By utilizing these resources, you can explore Nevada's vast and diverse landscapes safely and legally, ensuring a great off-road experience while respecting the environment and regulations.

The Shot Isn't Worth It!

The Shot Isn’t Worth It: Why You Should Never Take Photos on Train Bridges

In an age where capturing the perfect photo can earn you likes, followers, and a fleeting moment of fame, it’s easy to forget one simple truth: no photo is worth your life. Among the most dangerous trends in photography is the growing number of people taking pictures on active train bridges. While the backdrop of rusted metal tracks over glistening water or scenic valleys may seem like a dream setting, stepping onto a train bridge for a quick selfie or photoshoot is a decision that could turn deadly in seconds.

Unlike abandoned buildings or decommissioned stations, most train bridges are not inactive. Trains travel fast, often silently until they’re frighteningly close, and they cannot stop quickly. Some bridges are narrow, offering no safe place to move once a train is coming. If you’re caught in the middle when one appears, the results are often fatal.

Railroad companies and safety organizations have long warned the public: train tracks and train bridges are private property, and trespassing is both illegal and incredibly dangerous. Trains can weigh thousands of tons and need over a mile to come to a full stop. By the time the engineer sees you, it’s already too late.

 

The Illusion Can Be Deadly

Many people who venture onto train bridges do so under the mistaken belief that they’ll hear a train coming with plenty of time to move. In reality, modern trains are much quieter than people expect. Some bridges are curved or elevated, further obscuring visibility and sound. Add in distractions like camera clicks, wind, or music, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Even if no train comes, just being there is a risk. A misstep can lead to a fall from a great height or into dangerous terrain or water below. Emergency responders have reported too many instances of avoidable rescues — and too many tragic recoveries — because someone wanted a dramatic photo.

 

Legal and Ethical Consequences

Besides the physical risks, walking on train bridges is illegal. If caught, you can be fined or even face jail time for trespassing on railroad property. But more importantly, these actions can traumatize train operators and emergency crews who are forced to deal with the aftermath.

Think about it: that perfect photo might cost someone else their peace of mind for years to come.

 

Choose Safety and Creativity Instead

There are countless ways to express your creativity and find amazing photo locations without putting yourself or others in danger. Seek out safe, legal locations for your shoots. If you’re drawn to the look of a train bridge, look for pedestrian bridges or train-themed parks that offer a similar aesthetic without the risk.

You don’t need to risk your life for a powerful image. The real mark of a great photographer isn’t how far they’re willing to go for a shot — it’s how wisely and safely they can capture beauty without crossing dangerous lines.

 

Final Word: Don’t Do It

The bottom line is simple: do not take photos on train bridges. It’s not just illegal — it’s reckless. No photo, no Instagram post, no amount of likes is worth your safety or your life. Let’s spread the word and put an end to this dangerous trend before it claims more lives.

 

Remember - Don't go down the wrong track. Be Rail Aware & Be Safe!

 

 

 

 

If You See Something, Then Say Something!

🚨 See Something, Say Something: A Simple Action That Could Save Lives Near Railroad Tracks 🚨

If you spend any time outdoors — hiking, biking, running, or just enjoying nature — chances are you’ve crossed paths with a railroad track. Maybe it’s a quiet stretch near a river, a hidden trestle in the woods, or a crossing by your local trail. It might feel remote, forgotten, or even harmless. But railroads are never as quiet as they seem, and that sense of “nothing ever happens here” can be dangerously misleading.

That’s where you come in.

See Something, Say Something” isn’t just a phrase for airports and train stations. It applies just as much to your favorite backwoods rail line or the crossing you pass on your morning run. Being aware and speaking up can literally save lives — and not just your own.

🚧 What Should You Look For?

You don’t have to be a rail expert to spot something out of place. Here are a few things that should make you pause and report:

  • Obstructions on the tracks: fallen trees, debris, shopping carts, or even large rocks

  • People or vehicles trespassing on tracks: especially kids, hikers, or off-roaders who may not realize how dangerous it is

  • Damaged or missing signage or crossing gates

  • Strange objects or suspicious packages near the tracks

  • Signs of tampering with railroad equipment

Trains can't swerve, and they can't stop quickly. Even if the crew sees a problem, there’s often nothing they can do in time — especially on remote stretches where speeds are higher and warning time is limited.

📲 What Should You Do?

If you see something like mentioned above, call the Railroad.

If you’re near a designated railroad crossing, look for the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign. This sign has a phone number and a crossing ID number that connects you to the railroad’s dispatch center, so they can alert approaching trains or send a crew to check it out. Check out some of the other Public Safety Videos for how to determine your location if not near a railroad crossing.

Videos:

Don’t assume someone else will report it. Railroads often run through places where you might be the only person who sees the danger in time.

🚷 Trespassing Isn’t Just Illegal — It’s Lethal

It’s worth repeating: being on railroad tracks or bridges for anything other than a legal crossing is trespassing. That includes photo shoots, shortcuts, or “just looking around.” Every year, hundreds of people are injured or killed while walking on or near tracks, often because they didn’t hear the train until it was too late.

So if you see someone out there who doesn’t belong — especially kids or distracted adults — it’s not nosy to say something. Call the railroad .

🛤️ The Bottom Line

Railroads are part of our landscape, but they’re not playgrounds or footpaths. The tracks may look empty, but danger can appear faster than you think.

So the next time you're near the rails and something seems off, trust your gut. Pull out your phone. Make the call.

See something. Say something. Save someone.

                                     

Train Tunnels are for Trains, Not People!

🚫 Why You Should Never Go Into Train Tunnels (Even if the They Look Cool)

Hey hikers, railfans, explorers, and curious adventurers —

We get it. There’s something mysterious and enticing about train tunnels. They’re dark, dramatic, and are often in some of the most scenic parts of the outdoors. Maybe you're hiking and spot an old railway line. Maybe it looks abandoned. Maybe there's a “shortcut” through the mountain.

But here’s the hard truth:
Train tunnels are not safe places to venture into — ever.

Let’s talk about why.


🚄 Trains Are Quiet - Tunnels Are Loud. Not A Good Combination.

You might think you'll hear a train coming with plenty of time to react. But modern trains are surprisingly quiet until they’re very close. And when you're in a tunnel, sound behaves differently — it echoes, it bounces, and it can mess with your sense of direction.

By the time you hear it properly, it might already be too late to escape.


⏳ There’s Often Nowhere to Go

Train tunnels are usually narrow, with little or no space between the train and the walls. Some have safety niches built in — but good luck finding one in a panic, in the dark, with your backpack catching on everything.

You can’t outrun a train. You can’t jump off to the side. If you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, your chances are slim of escaping unscathed.


🧠 “It Looked Abandoned” Is Not the Right Excuse

Just because a line looks unused doesn’t mean it is. Many train routes see only occasional service — a few trains a week, or even just one a day. But that one could come when you're halfway through. Railway companies don’t announce their schedules, so you’ll never know for sure if there will be a train or not.


💸 It’s Illegal (And Fines Can Be Horrendous)

Railroad tracks and tunnels are private property. In many places, entering a tunnel is trespassing, and fines can be steep — not to mention potential criminal charges if something goes wrong.

Authorities and rail workers do check. And if you get caught, that “cool adventure” might come with a court date.


🧭 Safer Alternatives for the Adventurous

Love tunnels? Go for legal and safe ones! Check out abandoned rail trails that have been converted to hiking and biking paths. Tons of them still have original tunnels, minus the active trains. Adventure is still out there — just pick the kind that doesn’t come with 100 tons of steel barreling at you.

Check out Rails-to-Trails  Conservancy for old train tunnels that have been turned into trails.


🚦Final Word

Train tunnels aren’t just another place to explore — they’re active transportation corridors where a simple mistake can be fatal. No photo, shortcut, or thrill is worth your life.

So next time you see a dark, tempting tunnel? Snap a pic from a distance. Tell the story. Keep walking.

Don't go down the wrong track. Be Rail Aware!🚷


Want to help spread the word? Share this blog and vido with your railfan group, hiking group, outdoor club, or the next curious wanderer you see at a train tunnel. It might save a life. 

 

I Didn’t Hear the Train — Until It Was Too Late

Could this be your story?

How a quiet morning hike turned into a moment I'll never forget.

There’s something sacred about early mornings in the woods. That in-between time when the mist still hugs the ground, birds are barely stretching their wings, and you feel like the only person alive. That’s where I was — just me, a trail, and my favorite playlist humming in my ears.

I’d walked this path a hundred times. A quiet, forested stretch that winds along the edge of town, crosses a creek, and for a brief moment — a set of train tracks. The rails cut through the landscape like a forgotten scar, weathered and rusted, weeds growing between the ties. I always thought they looked abandoned.

That morning, I had my hood up. Headphones in. I paused to snap a photo of the sunrise through the trees. As I stepped onto the tracks to get a better angle, the ground seemed to shake — just a little. Then a horn.

Not distant. Not dreamy. Right. Behind. Me.

I spun around and there it was. A train. Close. Too close.

I don’t remember jumping — just the feeling of landing hard in the brush beside the tracks, the wind from the train rushing past like a slap, the boom of its horn echoing down the valley. My heart was racing. I was alive. Barely.

You can make choices so that this story will not become your story!


🚧 What We Can Learn:

  • Trains are quieter than you think. Seriously. You don’t hear them like in the movies. No dramatic rumbling, no early warning. By the time you do hear them, it might be too late.

  • Tracks are not trails. Even if they look unused or overgrown, they can still be active. Some lines only run once a day or once a week. But they do run.

  • Headphones kill awareness. It’s hard to admit, but they cut out more than just background noise — they can block out the one sound you need to hear most.

  • You don’t get a second chance. I got lucky. A few seconds difference, and I wouldn't be here to write this.


🌲 If You’re an Outdoors Person, Please Remember:

Respect the rails. Cross at designated points. Keep your ears open, especially in remote areas. Even better — just avoid the tracks completely. There’s always another route, another view, another sunrise.


This story could happen to you — it can happen to anyone. So, if you’re out there exploring, adventuring, enjoying the beauty…

Just stay away from and off the tracks.

Please.

Talking to Your Kids About Train Track Safety: Walking on the Tracks

Talking to Your Kids About Train Track Safety: Walking on the Tracks

As parents, we strive to teach our children about safety in all aspects of their lives—whether it’s looking both ways before crossing the street, wearing helmets when riding bikes, or avoiding strangers. One crucial yet often overlooked topic is train track safety. Children, teenagers and yes, even adults may see train tracks as a convenient shortcut or a tempting place to play, unaware of the dangers involved.

Why It’s Important to Talk About Train Track Safety

Train tracks pose a significant risk because trains are often much quieter and faster than people expect. Unlike cars, they cannot swerve or stop quickly to avoid a person on the tracks. According to railway safety organizations, hundreds of people lose their lives or suffer severe injuries each year due to trespassing on tracks.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Train Tracks

  1. Explain the Dangers Clearly
    Kids need to understand that train tracks are not like regular roads. Trains are incredibly heavy and fast-moving, often taking over a mile to stop. Let them know that trains can approach without much noise, making it nearly impossible to react in time.

  2. Emphasize That Train Tracks Are Private Property
    Many children don’t realize that train tracks are not public paths but belong to railway companies. Walking on them is considered trespassing and is both illegal and dangerous.

  3. Debunk the Shortcut Myth
    If your child sees the tracks as a faster way to get somewhere, offer alternative safe routes. Explain that taking a few extra minutes to go around is always the better choice over putting their life at risk.

  4. Use Real-Life Examples
    Share stories (age-appropriate ones) of accidents that have occurred due to people walking on tracks. Sometimes, real-world consequences make a bigger impact than abstract warnings.

  5. Encourage Safe Behavior Around Tracks
    Even when crossing at designated railway crossings, teach kids to always stop, look, listen and not be looking at thier phones. Make sure they understand that just because they don’t hear a train doesn’t mean one isn’t coming.

  6. Be a Role Model
    Kids learn from what they see. If you show respect for train tracks and follow safety rules, they’re more likely to do the same. Never walk on or near tracks, and always use designated crossings yourself.

Final Thoughts

As parents, having proactive conversations with our kids about train track safety can save lives. By making sure they understand the risks, respect railway property, and choose safer routes, we can prevent avoidable tragedies. Take the time to talk to your children today—because no shortcut is worth risking their safety.

For more information, questions or to schedule a free presentation, contact The Rail Auxiliary Team of Washoe County. Contact Us

Saving a Trespasser!

The mission of the Rail Auxiliary Team of Washoe County, NV is to help ensure trains move safely and securely through communities; we provide trained volunteers that efficiently and effectively act on all situations that affect this mission. One of the services that we provide is Railway Monitoring and Reporting. Rail Team members monitor and report any railway hazard issues, trespassers, potential suicides or any other issue that may hinder trains moving safely and securely through the area.

On Saturday, March 1, 2025 a Rail Auxiliary Team member was on his lunchbreak near the Fernley, NV railyard when he noticed a homeless individual crossing the tracks in an unauthorized area AND a train barreling towards him. Normally when a trespasser is spotted, the Rail Team member will call the appropriate railroad first. In this instance, there was no time to call the railroad and thus the team member shouted towards the trespasser, hoping to get his attention and to get him to hurry across the tracks with a train coming right at him. (Video Link)

Saturday's incident turned out okay - this time! The trespasser was off the tracks for about 15 seconds before the train reached his area. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Educating the public is also an important mission of the Rail Auxiliary Team, but it takes more than just education campaigns. Rail safety needs "boots on the ground" for situations like what occurred on Saturday in Fernley. This is a core strength that the Rail Auxiliary provides, unlike other organizations that just provide education. Members of the Rail Auxiliary make monitoring and reporting a daily part of their lives by being situationally aware of what is happening on the tracks around them as they go about their daily routine: going to and from work, running errands and some days even watching identified trespasser hotspots.

See Something, Say Something!

Don't go down the wrong track. Be Rail Aware!

What to Do If Your Event Crosses Railroad Tracks and Crossings

What to Do If Your Event Crosses Railroad Tracks and Crossings

Planning an event is a complex process, especially when your designated route includes railroad tracks or crossings. Whether it’s a parade, marathon, charity run, or other community event, ensuring the safety of participants and maintaining situational awareness around tracks and crossings is critical. Here are steps you may take as an event organizer on how to handle these situations effectively.

1. Understand the Importance of Safety Around Railroad Tracks

Railroad tracks are active and can pose serious safety risks if not properly managed. Trains cannot stop quickly, and an unexpected encounter with a train can have catastrophic consequences. Additionally, disrupting train operations can lead to legal liabilities and fines for your event.

2. Research the Railroad Ownership

Determine which company owns and operates the tracks in your event area. Common rail companies include Union Pacific, BNSF Railway, Norfolk Southern, and CSX. Ownership information can often be found through local government offices, online maps or on the Blue Emergency Notification sign at the crossings your event will cross.

3. Contact the Railroad Company Early

Once you’ve identified the railroad operator, reach out to them as early as possible. Many railroads require notification months in advance for events that will cross or run alongside their tracks. Be prepared to provide the following details:

4. Develop a Safety Plan

Collaborate with the railroad operator and local authorities to create a comprehensive safety plan. Key considerations include:

  • Scheduling event activities to avoid peak train times
  • Deploying trained flaggers or law enforcement at crossings
  • Installing temporary barriers or signage to guide participants
  • ​Educating participants about railroad safety, emphasizing that tracks are always active and should never be assumed to be clear

Inform local police, fire, and medical services about the event and the involvement of railroad crossings. Ensure that emergency access routes are maintained and that first responders are familiar with your event’s layout.

5. Train Your Volunteers and Staff

Conduct safety training for all event volunteers and staff, particularly those stationed near railroad crossings. They should know how to:

  • Recognize the warning signs of approaching trains
  • Direct participants safely
  • ​Communicate effectively with railroad personnel and emergency responders

6. Pre-Event Communication

Educate participants and attendees about the presence of railroad tracks and crossings well before the event. Share maps, guidelines, and safety tips via email, social media, and your event website.

Conclusion

Managing events that cross railroad tracks or crossings requires planning, proactive communication, and unwavering attention to safety. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth, compliant, and safe experience for all involved. Remember, the key to success lies in preparation and partnership with the railroad operators and local authorities.

Union Pacific Communtiy Event Tip Sheet

 

 

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