SMART Train Hits, Kills Bicyclist In Rohnert Park; 2nd Fatal Incident In Same Intersection

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ROHNERT PARK (CBS SF) - A bicyclist was hit and killed Friday morning by a Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit train in Rohnert Park, the second pedestrian death in two days on the North Bay tracks, officials said.

The transit agency issued an alert shortly before 7 a.m. Friday. Officials say the bicyclist was riding against traffic approaching the intersection wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood over his head and earphones in before entering the intersection moments before the crash.

Trains were being delayed on the line and a bus bridge will be used for all stations north of Cotati. Buses will serve Cotati, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa Downtown, Santa Rosa North, and Sonoma County Airport Stations, with stops at all stations.

Trains will be providing service to all stations south, from Cotati to San Rafael, according to the transit agency.

A woman who was struck and killed in the same intersection Thursday morning by a SMART train in Rohnert Park apparently ignored the crossing arms and tried to run across the tracks when she was hit, according to the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety.

A SMART Train spokesperson said there is nothing unique about the crossing where the two fatal accidents. All equipment at the crossing functioned properly and the spokesperson said preliminary info indicated both victims walked around the crossing gate and tried to beat the train.

The spokesperson said Thursday's victim is believed to be a homeless woman who frequents the crossing area.

Rohnert Park Police had cleared out an encampment in recent weeks near that crossing.

As for the man killed Friday morning, the spokesperson said he was on a bike. The train operator said he saw the man go around the rail arm as he attempted to beat the train.