Bicyclist Killed Crossing Commuter Rail Tracks in Somerville

Photo by Matt Hintsa on Flickr/Creative Commons

A bicyclist was killed by an oncoming commuter rail train Sunday, when he crossed tracks even as traffic warning gates were down, MBTA Transit Police say.

The outbound Fitchburg Line train collided with the bicyclist, described only as an adult male, around 1:30 p.m., near the portion of tracks that cross Park Street near Prospect Hill.

“A bicyclist went through the fully functioning gates, which were in the down position for an approaching outbound Fitchburg Line train,” transit police said in a statement. “The bicyclist, a male approximately 25 to 30 years of age, continued onto the right of way 
and was struck.”

The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of his injuries, authorities say. Commuter rail service on the Fitchburg Line was stopped between Porter Square and North Station, and inbound service and was severely delayed.

Middlesex District 
Attorney Marian T. Ryan’s office is working with the MBTA in conducting its investigation into the bicyclist’s death.