Riders on bikes, e-bikes, and scooters face specific dangers near railroad infrastructure, where wheels can easily lodge in tracks or users may misjudge the speed of oncoming trains. Data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission highlights the growing urgency of this issue, noting hundreds of thousands of emergency department visits linked to e-bikes and e-scooters between 2017 and 2024. Local impact is equally stark; Rady Children’s Health in Orange County reported a sharp rise in e-bike trauma cases, from one patient in 2021 to 201 in 2025.
Pacific Surfliner Launches Micromobility Safety Campaign
As e-bikes and scooters surge in popularity across Southern California, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner is dedicating September’s Rail Safety Month to preventing track-related accidents. The campaign pairs local art with practical guidance to help riders navigate the unique hazards posed by rail crossings and station platforms.
To combat these trends, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency is partnering with California Operation Lifesaver and artist Fnu Clarissa to install safety-themed murals at major stations, including Los Angeles Union Station and Santa Barbara. These installations feature QR codes leading to safety pledges and educational resources. Beyond the art, crews will host an Operation Clear Track event on September 23 in Santa Ana to engage directly with communities at known trespassing hotspots. Officials emphasize that safety comes down to basic habits: always dismounting before crossing, navigating rails at a 90-degree angle, and keeping devices like headphones put away when approaching the tracks.
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