A weekend ride ended in tragedy in Simi Valley on Saturday evening when a 13-year-old student was fatally struck by an Amtrak train while riding an electric two-wheeled device at a railroad crossing near Sequoia Avenue and Los Angeles Avenue. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but the juvenile later died, according to police. The crossing was temporarily shut down as investigators worked the scene and residents reported seeing a heavy emergency response in the area.
Crash details and investigation
Authorities say the collision happened around 6:25 p.m. as the juvenile traveled south on the east sidewalk of Sequoia Avenue and entered the railroad crossing at Los Angeles Avenue, where a passing Amtrak train struck them, according to NBC Los Angeles. Preliminary findings indicate the rider did not stop in time at the crossing, police said. Detectives have identified the victim only as a juvenile and confirmed the student was enrolled in the Simi Valley Unified School District. The investigation remains active.
Police response
In a statement to NBC Los Angeles, the Simi Valley Police Department called the death "a heartbreaking loss for the Simi Valley community." The department urged anyone riding bicycles, electric bicycles or other motorized devices to stay especially alert near roadways and railroad crossings while the Traffic Bureau continues its work on the case. No charges have been announced, and investigators are asking anyone with video or eyewitness accounts of the crash to come forward.
Crossing safety and e-bike rules
Safety experts warn that riding on sidewalks at railroad crossings can weaken the protections offered by crossing gates, particularly when riders approach quickly. At the same time, the rapid spread of powerful "e-motos" marketed as e-bikes has made enforcement trickier and raised concerns about risks for young riders. Streetsblog California reports that lawmakers are weighing several bills to clarify e-bike classifications, and one proposal, AB 2284, would direct the state Attorney General to publish a list of noncompliant two-wheeled devices, per LegInfo. Supporters say such measures could help police, schools and parents distinguish legal e-bikes from more dangerous off-road-style machines.
How to help or get information
Simi Valley police are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact Traffic Investigator Abel Martinez at 805-583-6224 or [email protected], or Traffic Supervisor Sgt. Josh McAlister at 805-583-6940 or [email protected], according to BikinginLA. BikinginLA noted that this is the fourth bicycling death in Ventura County this year, a grim tally that safety advocates say underscores the need for clearer rules and stronger safety education. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have urged people to avoid the area while detectives continue processing the scene.
