[Mountaingirl]

Most sensors work, or there are cameras that detect movement for the lights. But, like mark said, we can always become pedestrians when on a bike and walk if it came down to it.

[Digital_Cowboy]

Originally Posted by photosbymark

Well there is another strategy when dealing with an intersection on a bike. Its probably safer in many cases, quicker and 100% legal. Get off the bike and become a pedestrian for that intersection. Walking the bike through the cross walks can often keep you out of some fairly tricky situations, and will occasionally get you out of the faulty sensor situation. I am old. I still think of red lights on timers. That these days is not always the case. One thing that can activate the light though is pushing the button for a someone wanting to walk across IF it works.

Trouble is with a signal that isn't acting right, you often can not be totally sure what its displaying to cross traffic. I wish I had a nickel for every time I see someone barreling through a train crossing without even looking because there are lights or an automated barricade there. It never crosses their mind that a signal may not be working and with the stereo volume of some, they would not hear it till they are talking to St Pete.

I agree there are always options when it comes to a defective/non-operational traffic light. To include as you said to dismount and become a pedestrian and walk across the street. However for me (as I'm one of those who ride with clipless pedals) that's not really an option. As most roads are too abrasive to walk on with our cleats.

[BeginnerCycling]

As I understand it the laws regarding sensor-equipped lights that don't register for bicycles varies a lot from state to state. Our town uses sensors that work on some kind of electro-magnetic field -- that is, they detect when a large chunk of metal pulls up, and a bike just won't trigger them.

I've been advised by the police that I can treat it as a non-functioning signal, and go through it after stopping, which is what I do now. In my suburban town walking across would probably be more dangerous than riding, as most intersections don't have crosswalks and people aren't used to seeing pedestrians much outside of downtown.

[Digital_Cowboy]

Originally Posted by BeginnerCycling

As I understand it the laws regarding sensor-equipped lights that don't register for bicycles varies a lot from state to state. Our town uses sensors that work on some kind of electro-magnetic field -- that is, they detect when a large chunk of metal pulls up, and a bike just won't trigger them.

I've been advised by the police that I can treat it as a non-functioning signal, and go through it after stopping, which is what I do now. In my suburban town walking across would probably be more dangerous than riding, as most intersections don't have crosswalks and people aren't used to seeing pedestrians much outside of downtown.

If I may suggest, when you pull up to an induction loop sensor controlled intersection. Look at it, if it's a single loop try to position yourself on either the left or right side of the loop on the wires. You might be able to trip the sensor. If it's a double loop sensor try positioning yourself over the center of the loop where the two loops meet in the middle.

You can also if you use clippless pedals try putting one of your shoes with a cleat on the wires. I've also heard that one can affix a "large" earth type magnet (or a magnet from a HD) to your bottom bracket. And that is suppose to help trip the sensor.

[BeginnerCycling]

Thanks for the tips!

[kneedrachen]

Most motorcycle places sell a "Red Light Trigger." It' s a piece of metal big enough to trip a magnetic light sensor and secures with zip ties, about 12-20 dollars.

[Mountaingirl]

Originally Posted by kneedrachen

Most motorcycle places sell a "Red Light Trigger." It' s a piece of metal big enough to trip a magnetic light sensor and secures with zip ties, about 12-20 dollars.

While that sounds like a nice idea, I wouldn't invest in something like that unless I was constantly having trouble with red lights. I'd rather spend my money on bike accessories.