What gear should you be in while waiting at a railroad crossing for a train to pass?

When waiting at a railroad crossing for a train to pass, it is important to be in 1st gear. This allows you to be prepared to respond quickly if necessary—a critical factor when waiting near tracks where trains may approach unexpectedly. Being in 1st gear enables you to move forward without hesitation should the situation require it, like if the lights start flashing or if you need to clear the crossing for safety reasons.

Using a higher gear, such as 2nd or 3rd, may delay your response time because those gears require more throttle and engine power to engage. Furthermore, being in neutral removes the ability to quickly maneuver the motorcycle, which can be particularly hazardous in this situation. Therefore, 1st gear is the best choice for readiness and safety at a railroad crossing.