CCTV footage captures near miss after cyclist gets himself trapped on level-crossing

The video has been released as part of the British Transport Police and Network Rail’s road safety awareness campaign Operation Look

The cyclist became trapped after the level crossing barriers came down (British Transport Police)

A heart-stopping video has captured the moment a cyclist got himself trapped in between two barriers at a level crossing in Cambridge, escaping moments before a train travels through.

In the video released by the British Transport Police yesterday, the CCTV footage shot in Cambridge shows the cyclist approach the level crossing just as the barriers begin to come down on either side.

Instead of stopping however, the cyclist continues to cross, becoming trapped in between the two closed barriers.

The video comes as part of the BTP and Network Rail’s road safety awareness campaign Operation Look.

As part of Operation Look, BTP and Network Rail have been releasing videos that show the perils of ignoring warning signs at level crossings, as well as carrying out extra patrols and spot checks at crossings up and down the country.

BTP spokeswoman, Inspector Becky Warren, said: “All too often people get into the habit of taking risks at crossings. Our message is simple – use crossings safely.

”It may be tempting to jump a light to shave a minute or two off your journey, but every time you do, you endanger your life and the lives of other road and rail users.

“Fail to obey the signals and you may also end up with a driving ban or a criminal record. Is it really worth the risk?”