"Trigger Green Traffic Lights"

[QuaiChangKane]

I have quite a few lights like this. Most of the time it's all good because of all the cages around but when I go out for my lunch break at 4 AM there is no way I'm going to trip certain lights that I can't just run because they are right in front of the Steak n Shake where all the cops hang out. There were a few occassions where I'd be stopped at a busy intersection and another bike would pull up behind me or beside me and then we'd both be screwed. We both motioned to the cars behind us to pull up and none of them would untill after about 8 or 9 light cycles for the other side of the street.

How big of a magnet is usually in these devices? I have a few too many blown subwoofers that have some pretty good size mags on them that would probably do the job wouldn't you think? Who do you contact about getting the sensitivity adjusted?

Check your state's vehicle code regarding malfunctioning traffic control devices - the info is on your state's DMV site. I'm positive there's a section in there allowing you to proceed against a light if it is malfunctioning, even the one in front of the Steak 'N Shake!


(Geez, I wish we had one of those here in California. Trade you an In 'N Out Burger for a Steak 'N Shake?)

-Q!

[triggerzer0]

(Geez, I wish we had one of those here in California. Trade you an In 'N Out Burger for a Steak 'N Shake?)

-Q!

Deal! Steak 'N Shake tastes like hot hammered @$$ to me

[Ranger]

As a motorcycle safety instructor in California, I'll tell you that the CVC states that it is, indeed (in California ) LEGAL to proceed against a traffic control device if said device is not properly operating.

That is to say that a traffic-sensing signal light that is not sensitive enough to be triggered by a motorcycle is essentially malfunctioning, so you may proceed (with utmost caution) when it is clear to do so. BUT - you must first yeild to the traffic control device long enough to make sure that it is truly malfunctioning and not merely on a delayed timer - a couple of revolutions each direction should suffice.

I'm sure that if you search, most states would have sections like this in their vehicle codes. Otherwise, folks would be backed up for miles at lights whose bulbs have burned out.

Again, there is no specific "motorcycles can run red lights" code, but the code that applies to inoperable traffic control devices also applies to vehicle sensors that do not detect motorcycles.


And if you care to, you can look up the specific code at www.ca.dmv.gov (get a fresh cup of coffee, first...!).

Most importantly, when you do encounter a traffic light that won't trigger for lone motorcyclists, report it to your local DOT as soon as possible - inoperable traffic control devices pose a significant safety hazard for all motorists.



(And no, Virginia, Green Light magnets do not work. As mentioned before, your bike's starter creates a far larger E/M field than a "stick-on" magnet ever could. Claiming that your cousin's brother-in-law's traffic light magnet worked because he never got stuck at a light is like claiming that your deer whistle works because you've never ran into a deer... :shock::-D)


-Q!

I'm bringing this to life again because I have to make 3 left hand turns that are protected (usually) to get to the freeway. I've told a motorcycle cop who I pulled up behind and he said this same thing as above, however how is it smart/ safe to turn left when I have a bunch of cars that are about to go straight?

****es me off.

[argonsagas]

It happens everywhere.

I have tried the magnets and found them useless.

Putting the front wheel right on the point where the sensor lines intersect occasionally works, (it does work at a parking lot I sometimes use) but here many intersections are governed by signals that are set to recognize cars or trucks only.

No one has stopped me yet, but if the light sequence misses me once, I just wait for a break and then scoot. Is it safe? It is no different than proceeding from an intersection that has no signal: you judge what is a safe opportunity, and then go.

[Ranger]

Yeah I'm pretty sure I can gas it and make my left before the other traffic gets their green but the street I'm turning on to is extremely close to those cars and its a sharp turn, hard to make when going slow as it is.

[themess]

If it is a continuing problem at the same light(s), write to the city engineer and complain politely. They might fix the problem. And if you do get cited for pulling through the red, there will be a paper trail to support you.

[Ranger]

Tried it this morning and nearly laid the bike down, pulled a wheelie leaning into the turn to beat the traffic and the road was damp.

[MrZufall]

When riding with a buddy, we always pull side by side and stay just inside the loop. Haven't been stuck yet this way.

Of course, we haven't been hit by deer, either. I think they recognize me from the deer whistles on my car

Yeah....that, or hunting season. :P

[laserred97gt]

Deal! Steak 'N Shake tastes like hot hammered @$$ to me

And how do you know what that tastes like?

[Dboyd]

In Tennessee it is legal to run a red light on a bike if you are the only motorized vehicle at the light wierd?

[Willmrx]

http://www.themirt.com/

[themess]

http://www.themirt.com/

If that is the device used by emergency vehicles, use on private vehicles is probably illegal.

[frijoles-and-beans]

if you are certain that it is a sensor light,

My town's lights seem like they are on a timer. I don't know the first thing about city engineering, but I have heard about sensors and timers. Are they both in use around the country? Do timers even exist for lights? I thought sensors were some sort of urban myth. Enquiring minds want to know.

[frijoles-and-beans]

Nevermind on most of that. Maybe I should've read the whole thread first.

[MadDogGS]

My town's lights seem like they are on a timer. I don't know the first thing about city engineering, but I have heard about sensors and timers. Are they both in use around the country? Do timers even exist for lights? I thought sensors were some sort of urban myth. Enquiring minds want to know.

They probably are.
There are both sensors and timers, a lot of times used together.
Yes
Yes
No
Gotta ask if you want to know the answers.