States green-light new red-light laws for motorcycles

[Constant Mesh]

https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-0...ight-laws_N.htm

"The traffic lights in question are controlled by devices buried under the road that operate similar to metal detectors, according to Hecox. Their sensitivity can be set to detect motorcycles, but the proper balance is difficult to adjust, he said.

California has chosen a technological solution. A law adopted last year requires that when new traffic-activated signals are installed, they be capable of detecting motorcycles and bicycles."

 

[zzzzip]

I hope Missouri passes the same law.

I used to have to lay my bicycle on its side over the sensor to get it to trip. Since I couldn't do that with the m/c, I have to move forward past the stop bar and hope a car will follow--sometimes there is no vehicle behind-- and hope the rest in line don't get pissed because nobody moves forward.

Usually the car behind is right on my ass at a non sensor light, but it seems like they always want to back off and give a lot of following room just when you need them invading your space.

If nobody is around, I run the light after stopping and waiting a while. Most of the cops in the cities recognize the problem, but it would be nice if it wasn't illegal. Missouri will probably adopt and re-write the law 3 or 4 times after 46 or 47 other states have passed it.

B)

 

[ARFJR]

It's legal in Arkansas. I carry a copy of the law should I ever have an encounter with uninformed LOL as a result of my occasional need to exercise it.

I sure most of the 4 wheelers (and uninformed 2 wheelers) consider it squid-like behavior though.

 

[Silent]

We have to stop at lights? :blink:

I've run across a few in the republik that don't even read the FJR. I just give it plenty of time, then when it's clear that it's not going to change and a car isn't going to be behind me anytime soon, I run the bastard. 99% of the cops understand that the lights won't trigger and if there watching you sit there for 5 min then run it, they won't bother you.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Center stand down in the loop to the pavement if I am the first at a left turn lane ligh to add additional metal for the sensor.

 

[SouthernCruizer]

Center stand down in the loop to the pavement if I am the first at a left turn lane ligh to add additional metal for the sensor.

**********************

That might work where you are , but here in da swamps of Louisiana, that trick dont work. I wait one cycle, then run it on the 2nd cycle.

Jay

'04 FJR 1300

 

[Tbird]

By my office a new light at a major intersection has optical sensors. At night, when there's no traffic, my direction stays red and the cross traffic stays green.

If I roll up slow enough, I never have to make a complete stop. It "sees" me coming and cycles the green to me. Now that is the way to go!!!

 

[sin_loki]

By my office a new light at a major intersection has optical sensors. At night, when there's no traffic, my direction stays red and the cross traffic stays green. If I roll up slow enough, I never have to make a complete stop. It "sees" me coming and cycles the green to me. Now that is the way to go!!!

there is a busy light where i live that does not work for bikes (and some times not my truck) . normally I run it on a non busy day, but once i had to Get OFF and press the crossing button to cycle the lights. kind of felt like a tool doing it but i rather not have my ass get run over.

and the city does nothing, asked a some one a city hall and they said would "look in to it". BAH bunch of BS :glare: (been almost a year). i just try to avoid coming from that direction.

 

[Inlaw1]

I learned a trick out of Sport Rider years ago for triggering problematic lights, either flip the high beams on and off real quick for several seconds or if that doesn't work, hit the kill switch and restart the bike. Works every-time.

But I like the idea of the law also. That said, if the light does not cycle for you on your bike then it's a defective light and pretty much any state has a law for dealing with defective lights which is proceed with caution.

 

[odot]

Traffic lights? **** them. I just run em unless johnny law is sitting behind me. I know....I am the bastion of fjr kindness and safety.

 

[rickysnickers]

We have to stop at lights? :blink:
I've run across a few in the republik that don't even read the FJR. I just give it plenty of time, then when it's clear that it's not going to change and a car isn't going to be behind me anytime soon, I run the bastard. 99% of the cops understand that the lights won't trigger and if there watching you sit there for 5 min then run it, they won't bother you.

You are right. When, I'm working and see a rider sitting at a light, with no car behind him, I get on the PA and tell them that when it's safe to go ahead and go.

Rick

 

[Kevin Daly]

https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-0...ight-laws_N.htm
"The traffic lights in question are controlled by devices buried under the road that operate similar to metal detectors, according to Hecox. Their sensitivity can be set to detect motorcycles, but the proper balance is difficult to adjust, he said.

California has chosen a technological solution. A law adopted last year requires that when new traffic-activated signals are installed, they be capable of detecting motorcycles and bicycles."

Back in the day I remember rinning red lights that would not turn for a bike. Cant wait for a car all night you know!