RehashLogo

Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 3:58 p.m.

It's unclear from this article whether the police are targeting just people walking along train tracks, or also those just crossing the tracks. Can you clarify?

Marshall Applewhite

Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 7:28 a.m.

I live on the railroad tracks. Sounds like it's time to take up residence in one of the parks......

Speechless

Thu, Jul 15, 2010 : 10:03 p.m.

I've added language to my earlier last line, in case it wasn't sufficiently clear: "Until the city (and the university) responds to this public access issue by building pedestrian bridges or creating other viable means to legally cross the tracks, non-enforcement at the more popular illegal crossing points by railroad officers or local police is the only interim solution."

peg dash fab

Thu, Jul 15, 2010 : 10:17 a.m.

It's pointless, I know, but I'll reiterate what several others have tried to point out... Officials with Ann Arbor police and U-M police said Norfolk Southern police are leading the effort and declined to comment. We now return you to the rants about this horrible waste of taxpayer dollars.

Speechless

Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 7:27 p.m.

It's one thing when people insist on fishing off railroad bridges. Hanging out for recreation on the rails is obviously stupid and indefensible. I support the railroad officers chasing off folks who go there as a destination activity (even while I sympathize with the homeless who trespass for practical reasons). As others have been saying, however, there are various "unofficial" crossing points along the rail lines. Every day, numerous locals use these spots as connectors for their running, bicycling or walking routes. They cross illegally not because they enjoy spending time on the tracks, but because there is no convenient, reasonable and legal alternative. People will continue to "vote with their feet" and negotiate the tracks at these points. But almost no one appreciates becoming an 'outlaw' merely by making an otherwise sensible decision to get quickly from point A to point B over the tracks. A possible ticket up to $500 will be appreciated even less. Until the city (and the university) responds to this public access issue, non-enforcement at the more popular crossing points is the only interim solution.

Buck Howard

Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 2:28 p.m.

Apparently nobody in Ann Arbor is aware of what goes on in their own city. Firstly, the tracks that are being patrolled by the railroad police are the ones that the Amtrak trains use to Chicago. When everyone is referring to the tracks near Michigan Stadium, those are owned by the Ann Arbor Railroad, which only operates from Ann Arbor to Toledo and does not have its own police force. Norfolk Southern, one of the largest railroads in the United States, is who owns the tracks and those that Amtrak operates on. The extra patrols are during the summer because people like to walk on and fish off the railroad bridges along the Huron River near Ann Arbor. I have been on the train a few times when the engineer has had to blare the horn and slam on the brakes to avoid hitting someone on tracks. The enforcement has nothing to do with when Football season is, and is because train crews are getting tired of nearly hitting people every time they go through Ann Arbor, and work with and report these incidents to railroad police, who are sworn police officers with full arrest powers.

Brad

Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 11:44 a.m.

A recent area railroad death was a suicide (http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews/2008/01/police_say_womans_death_was_su.html). I wonder how many more could be attributed to that? I just don't see how "typical" people just running/walking across tracks are really in that much danger. If a train is going to catch you by surprise, what are the chances that a car wouldn't have already taken you out?

Speechless

Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 11:10 a.m.

To reiterate other comments, the choice to end this enforcement 'campaign' just in time for the football season says it all. I'd suggest that in September annarbor.com send staff to take photos and videos of fans walking along the tracks to & from UM home games, especially when police stand nearby. When the economic interest is great enough, it's been clear that the relevant authorities will sideline enforcement temporarily, as desired. As a service, the railroads provide UM and its football fans a free pass to violate the law. Why not merely extend this legal courtesy throughout the year, and across the city, to individuals who want to jog, walk, or bike through or near local park areas? Allow unpenalized access until such time as the city (or the university) finally gets around to creating official pedestrian bridges at the various illegal — but popular — railroad crossing points? "... Federal Railroad Administration data shows Washtenaw County had five railroad casualties between 2007 and 2009...." So, using this bit of data as a standard for an unacceptable level of public danger, when do we begin the permanent ban on driving automobiles?

Ben Connor Barrie

Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 9:15 a.m.

@Brad, Thanks for clarifying that. It seems a lot of people are misunderstanding this article to indicate that AAPD and UMPS will be bearing the brunt of this enforcement effort.

Brad

Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 8:34 a.m.

Part of the problem here is some questionable editing, which could give the impression that the AAPD might be more involved that they probably will be. In every other publication with this story, it starts... "The Norfolk-Southern Railroad Police will be conducting [...]" so it's pretty obvious who is spearheading the effort. My guess is that the AAPD and UMPD view them as amateurs, and that's why there was no comment.

millermaple

Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 7:59 a.m.

Isn't A2 supposed to be pro-walking/biking, don't use your car so much? The (illegal) RR track trail crossing at Main St saves walking quite a far distance out of the way, why is there no make it easier to walk and have park access policy? Does this mean that the official policy is - you must drive to the park, not walk?

racerx

Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 1:24 a.m.

Why, when asked, didn't the A2 Police make a comment? Did they find the waste of time this could become troubling? How much is a treapass ticket as oppose to a speeding ticket? And to have the campaign end in August right before football season where thousands are trespassing during football games. Yea right!

DeeDee

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 8:54 p.m.

How about all of us runners start wearing blue and yellow and looking like dazed and confused football fans? It doesn't seem to matter how many parking, driving, trespassing, and other violations they commit. Maybe the city could spend some of the money that they waste constantly on things like pedestrian bridges over these informal trails. Trails which are in constant use, I might add. Yet another solution in search of a problem....

trespass

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 8:47 p.m.

Why does a private company, Norfolk Southern Corporation, have it's own police? Do they have all the arrest powers of municipal police? Who do they report to? It all sounds like something from the 1800's when we had robber barons.

Russ Miller

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 8:32 p.m.

@Sbuilder - interesting! I took a little trip to the AADL on-line archive of city council minutes and found two ordinances related to the elevation of the AAR tracks - the first on March 31, 1902 was apparently rejected by the AAR, and a second was passed in October of that year. The city apparently bore the cost of the work... It's interesting to read the flowery language of the March meeting: http://media.aadl.org/documents/pdf/AACityCouncil/Minutes_19020331.pdf (about halfway down the first column) http://media.aadl.org/documents/pdf/AACityCouncil/Minutes_19021001.pdf

treetowncartel

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 8:23 p.m.

If they just put the cow cushions back on the train engines that were utilized in the 19th century this wouldn't even be an issue. All the scoflaws would just be gently pushed to the tracks edge. I think Thomas Payne called it common sense or something like that.

63Townie

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 5:59 p.m.

I agree with those who think this is a huge waste of AAPD resources. If enforcing railroad trespassing laws is the most important thing AAPD has to do, they really do have too many officers. If trespassing is an issue, perhaps the railroad should build more pedestrian crossings. From Gallup west past Mitchell Field, the only crossiing I can think of is Medical Center Dr. at Fuller, and that's just because there's a bridge at MedCen Dr.

sbbuilder

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 5:41 p.m.

Just thought this tid bit of history would be interesting: "Train accidents were not the only safety concern of Ann Arbor residents, however. In 1902, the city council forced the Ann Arbor Railroad to elevate its tracks where they crossed major Ann Arbor streets "to such an altitude as to enable the public travel" underneath, instead of across the rails. The city argued that elevated crossings "would conduce to the general public convenience and safety." City officials hoped that this would cut down on the number of people and animals that trains injured." and "Where tracks were not elevated, the Railroad employed crossing guards (left) to help control pedestrians, horse teams, and later automobiles at railroad crossings." Both quotes are from http://www.artsofcitizenship.umich.edu/sos/topics/trans/railroad.html So, there is precedence for City Council to force a railroad to re-engineer crossings to be safer for the 'general public'. Hmmmmm

dfossil

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 5 p.m.

Again if the Police are targeting the homeless and alcohol/drug users on the railroad right of way, who thinks these folks will, 1. pay any attention since they don't get the Ann Arbor News, and 2. they don't have any money to pay fines or costs so they wont. Eventually they may get jailed but in the meantime, we, the taxpayers, will be footing the bills for all of it!

Woman in Ypsilanti

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 3:17 p.m.

I have to agree with Eric Miller. Sometimes if you want people to stop breaking the law, you have to change the law so that whatever they are doing isn't illegal anymore.

Eric Miller

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 2:40 p.m.

There are several places in town where unofficial foot/bike paths cross the tracks. The RR has been trying to close these crossings, to no avail. Fences, signs, woodpiles, and police are all ineffective. They will never succeed. The only pragmatic solution is to make an official crossing at or near these paths.

5c0++ H4d13y

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 2:38 p.m.

Actually railroad workers are not allowed to txt while operating a train. There was an accident where it was found that engineer was txting just before the collision.

Awakened

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 2:19 p.m.

Is texting on the tracks banned yet?

Soothslayer

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 2:15 p.m.

I can just hear all the offenders, nay-sayers and busybodies now: "This is just another way "the man" is trying to keep me down by enforcing his rules on me". Private property = not yours & get out. Go bum around or mill aabout in a park or some other public land somewhere less dangerous where we don't have to worry about you getting into trouble/hit and then living off of "the man" which we know you wouldn't want anyway.

Epengar

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 1:52 p.m.

The railroad police enforcing the trespassing statute are employed by the railroad, not by the city. The city is not spending money on this.

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 1:40 p.m.

"This very well could turn out like this lady when they tried to cite her for jaywalking. I know I would be that mad." I love that clip...Police Officer is completely in the right.

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.

"Didnt the city just go through a huge debate about keeping fire fighters and police jobs? If this is what we kept them for it is a complete waste." Agreed, now we know there's more fat to cut at the next budget cycle.

deb

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 1:25 p.m.

Didnt the city just go through a huge debate about keeping fire fighters and police jobs? If this is what we kept them for it is a complete waste. Instead of spending money enforcing trespassing on RR tracks how about you pick up my leaves at the end of fall. This very well could turn out like this lady when they tried to cite her for jaywalking. I know I would be that mad. http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/06/16/police.jaywalker/index.html

Eric Miller

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 1:15 p.m.

The trails crossing tracks have been around as long as the tracks, and will continue to be. Fences get passes made through them, piles of cut trees get new trails around them. Now, people will check for police vehicles before crossing. It will never stop until the RR makes official crossings to replace the unofficial ones.

Ben Connor Barrie

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 12:52 p.m.

49 U.S.C. 28101: A railroad police officer may pursue someone off railroad property if that person is suspected of violating the law on railroad property; A railroad police officer may engage in offrailroad property law enforcement activities, including, without limitation, investigation and arrest, if permissible under state law.

Ben Connor Barrie

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 12:49 p.m.

At the risk of editorializing, isn't walking along rail road tracks kindof part of our American, or at least Midwestern cultural heritage? How many of us remember lazy walks along the tracks with our parents or friends when we were growing up? I think it's a wonderful relaxing way to spend an afternoon. As a runner, I know I routinely trespass on NS property when crossing from North Main to Argo Dam. I also know that trains are dangerous. So, as others have mentioned, I use common sense, and look to make sure there is no train coming before I commit my misdemeanor. It's not like trains are silent. You can hear the whistle and roar of the engine over a kilometer away and when they are closer, the whole ground starts shaking. On a somewhat tangential note: who are the Norfolk Southern Police? Are they a private police force, are they deputized? What is the extent of their jurisdiction? Can they pursue suspected trespassers beyond the extent of NS property? Maybe someone more skilled at lawyering can shed some light on that.

Galluper

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 12:15 p.m.

Now that they have dealt with the Arizona problem City Council could request Norfolk Southern to install more pedestrian rail crossings in Ann Arbor. Nichols Arboretum to Gallup Park could use a pedestrian rail crossing.

Yuxuibbs

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 12:12 p.m.

There are people who jump off the railroad tracks at Argo and swim in the water below. They sprayed paint over the "no swimming" sign. They should make it year round and stop football fans as well as homeless people.

Atticus F.

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 12:06 p.m.

The issue might have been settled over a hundred years ago... But I'm still of the oppinion that a privately owned company should not be allowed to build barriers without reasonable easement being granted to allow for pedestrian and traffic crossing. Maybe we are in agreement on that point, but in disagreement as to what constitutes 'reasonable' easement. I'm also of the oppinion, as are others posting here, that this is being done to round up the homeless. And to keep the homeless in jail at the taxpayers expense.

blahblahblah

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 12:06 p.m.

I don't blame the rail police, I blame the AA Parks Commission and City Council. Parks money that should have been used completing the "border to border trail" (connecting Bandemer and Barton parks) has been siphoned off to other pet projects such as the golf courses. For the hikers and bikers leaving Barton/Bird Hills parks traveling east, the choice still remains either an illegal rail road crossing into Bandemer or crossing North Main at Huron River Dr. which is basically the on-off ramps to M-14. Taking the legal route across North Main is definately more hazardous than the illegal route across the tracks. Shame on our elected officials for allowing this situation to continue to exist.

Duane Collicott

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 11:59 a.m.

I think it's relevant to note that those tracks have been there, and that property has been privately-owned, for at least 170 years.

MRunner

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 11:56 a.m.

I will suggest that the city, or the railroad, need to invest in the more common recreational crossings, if they are truly interested in the safety of those crossing. Off the top of my head, these include the crossing that connects the Arb to the Huron River pathway at the Dow Field, the parking lot access to the Argo dam and trails off Main Street north of Depot, the access to the trail system off of Barton Dam, and the cut-through between Huron River Drive and the entrance to Bandemer Park. At each of these, it has been fairly implicit that crossing is welcomed and has become part of the natural access to these trails. In most cases, preventing crossing at these sites would disrupt the use of these trails, and so exploring safe, pedestrian-friendly access points would be welcomed here.

Duane Collicott

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 11:50 a.m.

@Atticus F You are right, and it's very easy to find such an easement because there will be a crossing built there, either for vehicles or pedestrians. If you go anywhere else on their property, you are trespassing. Same as the easement on my property: if the utility company cuts any branches off trees that don't overlap the easement, they will be trespassing.

a2grateful

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 11:43 a.m.

It's really about the illegal eviction of residents beneath bridges... Of course, this is not a problem beneath the open-air breezeway formerly known as Stadium Bridge...

5c0++ H4d13y

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 11:38 a.m.

@Atticus F. this issue was settled over a hundred years ago. You want to argue it again? Besides not all private property has 100s of tons of trains that don't stop well. It's best to just stay away from the tracks.

5c0++ H4d13y

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 11:34 a.m.

UofM has a crossers from the Fuller lots to the hospital. At the very least the ER is right there.

huh7891

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 11:03 a.m.

Oh my...just another day of whining in the metropolis of A2

Atticus F.

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 10:50 a.m.

@Duane Collicott, we allow easement rights if your property is surrounded by private property. why should we let a private company build barriers around paths and restrict us from moving from one point to another? If we didn't allow easement rights, it could give people the right to buy up all of the land surrounding your home, and then restrict you from entering or exiting your own property.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 10:17 a.m.

As a regular track walker, I sure appreciate the warning. Guess I'll be taking the long way to Depot Town for the next couple of months.;) But I have to say to the person up there who suggested that pedestrians might have a hard time hearing the train. Um... are you serious? You can not only hear the train, you can *feel* the train. Now I know that the trains go more slowly through Ypsilanti than in other areas but seriously, I can hear the train's whistles about 15 minutes before the train even gets close. Then as it approaches all of the crossing gates come down with bells clanging and lights flashing. Finally as it gets really near, there is a loud rumble and the ground starts shaking. It seems impossible for anyone to not notice the train. It reminds me of that last line in the Sherman Alexie short story, A Train is an Order of Occurrence Designed to Lead to Some Result: "Sometimes it's called passing out and sometimes it's just pretending to be asleep." Pedestrians who get hit by trains most likely intended for it to happen.

Duane Collicott

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 10:03 a.m.

As I expected, I see many comments complaining about this. What's so hard to understand? It's private property. It really is that simple. You have the right to control who goes on your property, and the NS, AA and TSBY railroads have the right to control who goes on their property. If you want to take away that right from them, then you also lose the same right on your property and the rest of us will be coming over to have a big party and you won't be able to tell us to leave. Well, you can tell us to leave, but you won't be able to force us to leave. Do you have a nice grill? Make sure the propane tank is full, OK? We'll be eating those steaks you have in the freezer. Your beer is as good as gone, too. You got a pool or hot tub? We'll enjoy that.

Fat Bill

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 10:01 a.m.

Lets remember too that the tracks that run north and south through downtown actually belong to the Ann Arbor Railroad, not Norfolk Southern. In fact, the 70 year old woman who was written the trespassing ticket was on AAR property if I recall correctly. I also know from personal experience that the AAR enforces right-of-way and parking issues

marqueA2

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 9:57 a.m.

They need to put in a footbridge to cross the tracks by Argo Dam if they're going to enforce this BS. Access to the parks there is completely cut off unless one walks 2km north or east and circle back.

Rod Johnson

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 9:40 a.m.

There "can be" such an agreement... but is there? I doubt if the cople dozen tickets that will get written are that big a revenue stream to the city. It's *not* all about the $$$$$$$, at least not directly.

Rod Johnson

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 9:35 a.m.

Can you guys not read? Or is the need to grind that axe so great that you ignore the fact that this is not the AAPD but the Norfolk Southern police? Yes, the railroads have their own cops and our cops can't do anything about it. And to those of you who think that this is "only a warning"... tell it to the people who got $500 tickets during last year's enforcement drive. Yep, 500 buckies for taking a shortcut into Bandemer Park. It's too evil to be real, but, unfortunately, it's real. This enforcement thing is pretty much a sham--the railroads have to fly the flag every so often to establish that they're trying to do enforcement, so that they can fight liability claims more effectively. But walking on railroad tracks is much less of a risk in absolute terms than crossing Huron Street. In fact, farmers, with their slow-moving farm equipment, have an exemption from the no trespassing law. You'd think that if safety were really such a concern that that wouldn't be the case. But in fact the risk is quite low. Drivers trying to beat a train when gates are already down is risky behavior; pedestrians crossing the tracks at Bandemer Park when no train is in sight, not so much.

Mykidsfather

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 9:29 a.m.

What they don't tell you is, that there can be an agreement between the city and the railroad that funnels most of the money from the tickets to the city of Ann Arbor. This is very very common. Its all about the $$$$$$$

ChrisW

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 9:06 a.m.

It's a good thing there's no real crime in Ann Arbor for the police to persue. No break-ins, no muggings, no vandalism. Someone should ask the two mayoral candidates whether this is a good use of city money. I guess I shouldn't complain because otherwise these officers would just ticket the dreaded setback line scofflaws.

Atticus F.

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 8:43 a.m.

Maybe the ann arbor police could set up check points at all of the rail crossings in Ann Arbor...That would go a long way to insure that people wont walk on the railroad tracks, or cut across the track as a short cut.

Forever27

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 8:32 a.m.

I walk across the tracks every day on my way to work. You know how I avoid danger? I look both ways before I cross. Crazy, I know.

Rork Kuick

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 8:23 a.m.

Unless the railroad posts more places as legal to cross (with warnings to be careful), I think I don't like the parts of this law prohibiting my crossing. The public foot clearly scoffs at it. Enforcing it judiciously could make it work out OK, I admit, but maybe there's a better way.

janeqdoe

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 8 a.m.

Perhaps the Ann Arbor City Council should pass a resolution against the Norfolk Southern police, condemning their actions as discriminatory against pedestrians.

Rasputin

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 7:51 a.m.

C'mon folks, chill out. This is only meant as a public warning to keep folks off the tracks since they plan on running to new commuter lines in the near future which will increase rail traffic. I still use the tracks as a shortcut across down on my mountain bike, but am very much aware of the rail traffic. Just use your heads?! On a side not, how will the police actually enforce this law if they have to park their squad cars and walk the tracks? Relax folks. Easy does it. One day at a time as the AA folks say.

TruBlue

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 7:48 a.m.

What an absolute joke AA has become. We don't have enough money to police our streets or put out fire but we can sure find the time and money to bust up trespassers on railroad tracks? While not bust the real criminals...jaywalkers. AA=10 square miles surrounded by reality.

a2gerry

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 7:46 a.m.

This is just another par for the course by the AA police department. As others have expressed, they are moving limited resources to protect us against ourselves should we decide to cross over the railroad tracts. To the AA Police: when you find yourself shocked that people in town don't support your concern about personnel reductions over parks, take a look at this behavior.

Bob

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 7:27 a.m.

Hmmmm, never realized I was breaking the law when I took my kids to walk along the tracks and look at the parked train cars near Gallup Park. Would the police be kind enough to list other laws they will enforce only through August? I missed the mailing on certain laws being enforced only during certain months. This is one of those things that makes Ann Arbor special...

Tom Joad

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 7:23 a.m.

Off North Main near Depot there is a path that leads to the Huron River and dam that takes you across a railroad track. I often run that way...curiously (lazily) I would not jog an extra couple hundred yards to avoid crossing the tracks illegally. Each time I tempted the fate of a trespassing charge. Knowing that be I could singled out for a trespassing charge I just decided to chuck that route and go down Broadway. Sure it's easy to take a short cut but spending my day in court, paying a fine and having a criminal conviction for trespassing is not worth it. When the sign says NO TRESPASSING RAILROAD PROPERTY, I guess they mean it...

Brad

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 7:22 a.m.

We've chastised the Arizonaians and will now secure the railroad tracks from all non-football-attending people. Man do I fell safer now. Well, except for that they closed the fire station nearest my house and are turning off 1/6th of the streetlights. Glad that money we're saving is going to a good use!

nxil2009

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 7:13 a.m.

1. The police are cutting cops on the street but then choosing to enforce a law on federal government property? I'm not sure local police even have the right to be on the property without the federal railroad police approval. But even if they have their approval, it is a federal trespassing law not local. Let the feds police their own tracks and keep the local police on local property dealing with real crimes that affect real citizens. 2. The picture attached to this story is proof that the photographer who took the picture was trespassing on federal railroad property. You should immediately take it down. Seriously.

BHarding

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 6:59 a.m.

I can see this this from the engineer's perspective. Pedestrians are oblivious to the dangers. If the wind is whipping toward the train coming up behind you, you won't hear the train and the engineer cannot stop the train. You may be be a very nice person, but now you're dead. Please be careful.

sbbuilder

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 6:58 a.m.

Joggers and such, my eye. They want to clear out the vagrants, who are the real concern. Add cheap booze plus camping out under the railroad tressle, and you get an accident. In a few months, this will be a distant memory. I remember a few years ago, all of a sudden people were being ticketed for 'driving too closely'. Not enough separation between vehicles. Very serious problem. Need Zeus to come down with lightning bolts and strike evil drivers. Then, just as suddenly, the crisis vaporized. I think I'll continue to cross the tracks by Barton Dam, thank you very much.

dfossil

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 6:43 a.m.

I agree with Goblue. There wont be a cop in sight on this issue during Football season! They will be in the stadium busting drinkers & ticketing cars for the money. We are not as stupid as they seem to be.

Snarf Oscar Boondoggle

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 6:40 a.m.

but...but.. but.. walking the rails is my phys ed, balance excercise, posture improvemnet and self-c-c-c-confidence builder! yes, many yrs from childhood through yesterday walking the -rails- hmmm, 'which will last through August'... see you in september (sounds like a song)

Awakened

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 6:37 a.m.

Some police administrator sitting around and wondered what he/she continue to do to justify their desk...... "Oh! Lets crackdown on people walking on railroad tracks! We'll call the news and get an article in the paper." This is why it always makes me mad that they threaten to cut cops on the road and cops on the beat but NEVER threaten to reduce command staff!

Craig Lounsbury

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 6:16 a.m.

"effort is meant to remind people that trespassing on and around railroad tracks is dangerous and illegal." Illegal no doubt, but "dangerous" is debatable. According to the link provided only 2 of the 5 casualties were deaths. So we have 2 deaths in 3 years out of how many possible incidence? If enough people are trespassing to warrant a crackdown then 2 deaths in 3 years seems less dangerous than riding a bicycle in the street or attending a Michigan football game.

48104

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 6:15 a.m.

So I guess I'm a scofflaw for parking in the Salvation Army lot and cutting across the tracks to get to the Produce Station. I'll keep that in mind.

Cash

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 6:06 a.m.

This should always be enforced....year around. As a frequent Amtrak passenger, riding in the trains and seeing people casually strolling along and across the tracks, almost daring the train to hit them and cars cutting through gates to cross the tracks and beat the train, I wish there was a stronger punishment for these people. I can't imagine the horror the engineer goes through each time. And any "accident" causes delays and missed connections for passengers, thanks to the stupidity of careless walkers and drivers. Quite irritating.

GoblueBeatOSU

Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 5:34 a.m.

"The campaign, which will last through August,"...got to love it. Once again give the football fans a free pass. "To a woman who was simply taking a walk as she has seen hundreds of University of Michigan fans and alumni do during each home game, it has been life altering,'' The cops will ticket a 70 year old lady for walking along the tracks. Football fans are free to do as they please. Last year after a game I watched four guys walk right down the tracks right pass three cops. The cops didn't say a word and the guys kept walking. So why do AA cops believe it is important enough to haul a 70 year old woman into court for walking the tracks but not treat a group of football fans the same way? hmmm.....guess we don't have to think long on that to get our answer. http://www.iwasyouragetwice.com/node/2991