The photo published Nov. 30 of two dirt bike riders along railroad property actually shows two trespassers on railroad property. As stated in the photo's caption, "Dirt bike riders navigate along the Amtrak line in Albany."
Railroad property is not the place to be riding dirtbikes or snowmobiles. These trespassers endanger themselves and the trains' operating crews. Amtrak trains are authorized to travel at speeds up to 110 mph between Hoffmans (east of Amsterdam) and Stuyvesant (south of Rensselaer).
I've seen too many accidents involving dirt bikes, snowmobiles and other trespassers killed and maimed when they encounter a train where they don't belong.
The Times Union should think before printing another picture of trespassers on private railroad property.
JIM KAUFMAN
Guilderland
Retired Amtrak conductor