A cyclist who came within seconds of being hit by a train at Waterbeach level crossing after ignoring red warning lights and a safety barrier has been given a caution by British Transport Police.
The incident happened on September 12, with the driver of the Greater Anglia Cambridge to Norwich train forced to apply the emergency brake before the cyclist stepped back, narrowly avoiding being struck.
British Transport Police put the cyclist on their 'most wanted' list and issued CCTV images – and film footage - of the incident.
The woman, 26, and from Cambridge, got in touch with officers voluntarily and was interviewed before officers decided to caution her under the Malicious Damages Act of 1861.
PC Matt Mildinhall, of British Transport Police, said: 'This woman simply put her life on the line by not only ignoring the warning lights but went through the barriers and onto the line.'
Jay Thompson, Greater Anglia's head of safety, praised the driver for their quick thinking which prevented a tragedy.
He said: 'The train driver reacted very quickly when he spotted the cyclist and took all necessary action in responding to this incident.
'Not only was this incident very traumatic for the driver, but it could have resulted in the cyclist being killed. It is really important that everyone follows the safety instructions at level crossings.'
More than 100 trains a day travel through Waterbeach level crossing, reaching speeds of up to 75mph.
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