Make the stop light turn green?

Question

Most of the stop lights where I live have sensors to detect traffic flow. These sensors are what makes the light turn green to maintain a constant yet safe flow of traffic. Since my motorcycle doesn't weigh as much as a car many times I have to just run the red light when the traffic clears, because the sensor does not detect me and the light won't change to green. My question, how do I get the sensors to recognize my presence and make the light cycle as it would for a car?

Answer 1

The sensors you're probably talking about are the "weight sensors",,,you'd be surprised at how many people don't even know they exist.,,,,They sometimes are tricky,to impossible, if you're the only one at the light. Me and my Harley together weigh almost 1000 lbs and there's alot of 'em that I can't trip,,,,slammin the front brake on works sometimes,,,,otherwise,,,you either run the light or end up makin alot of right turns on red,,,,,gl

Answer 2

In answer to your question, stick a magnet or get a fat _steel_ exhaust.

The answer that mentions the magnet is on the right track but afaik no lights use weight sensors. Some lights are triggered by infra red hence why flashing the headlights can change them. You can usually spot this type as there is a small box on top of the lights, pointing at you. The cover is of the same plastic as your remote control to let the IR through.

The other type is triggered by the change of magnetic field, hence why a magnet sets it off. You notice these types as there are usually a square (1m x 1m) mark in each lane before the lights, sometimes two per lane. This is an induction coil set under the tarmac, and a vehicle containing steel changes the resonant frequency of the metal loop. The control box picks it up and changes the lights. Sometimes bikes are just too small and contain too much aluminium (a non-ferrous metal) or sexy alloy to change the frequency. There was a similar problem encountered with some cars (I think the Audi's) so they made sure that metal piece that covers the sump to protect the engine was a ferrous metal.

You can even use this trick in a car. The loops 'count' the changes, so if you have been sat at the lights for a while, reverse, then move over the loop. This makes the lights think another vehicle has arrived and increases priority.

Saying that, all of this is dependant on how the lights are configured.

I worked at Peek Traffic systems (yes, including traffic lights) as a part time Uni job, testing the PCB's. My degree was BEng in electronics, and Im a sad biker geek. GSXR-750 K6

Answer 3

I have the same problem with my Gold Wing gl1200. and my Kawasaki GPZ 750. many are weight sensored, yet others detect metal. These are usually the ones that cause the most issue. Ride safely and go ahead and run the red light when safe. A couple of years ago, I had a peace officer ticket me for doing such a thing, when I disputed the ticket it was dismissed because of the courts knowlege of this problem. The next problem that needs to be addressed is for Motorcyclists not having to pay tolls on roadways and bridges. It is not only inconvenient for the cyclist, but hold traffic up and why do cyclist pay the same as a car? Give me a break!

Answer 4

I know what you mean, normally I just make the right and then turn again. I once got stuck at a red light that had a no turn on red.

If this is a local problem you can do two things, one use the suggested method for each type of sensor. My experience is that a community uses mainly one type. The other especially with troublesome lights, go to your CPW office and request that it be reset for bikes. I've heard that many sensors can actually be set for bikes but the tech doing the install can be lazy, improperly trained, inadequately supplied, ordered to set the lights so that bikes won't set them off to prevent transient switching (switching when nothing is there).

Answer 5

Here's some good reading on how to trip a traffic light. There are also links to purchase a device that attaches to the bottom of your bike that emitts a magnetic field. See Red Light Changer. I was like you and thought the light was triggered by weight and would pop a wheely and come down on the sensor. Just waiting for the normal cycle, I thought I was doing something. LOL
http://www.motorcycles.about.com/cs/beginners/ht/tripatraflight.htm

Answer 6

Usually there is a car behind you or one comes up shortly after you stop, if you will ease up just pass the crossing light it will give the car enough room to ease up behind you. Wave him up, he will trip the light and you will both be on you way. Otherwise ride with a buddy and if you both roll up at the same time, the weight is enough to trip the sensor. Good luck and ride safe, turn right before you run the light.

Answer 7

Traffic light preventers are sold on Ebay, but if you cause an accident changing the light at the wrong time, get ready to go to jail for a long time.

Answer 8

In Minnesota if the sensors don't change the light you can legally go if there is safe passage

Answer 9

In California, if you are stopped at a light more two minutes and it is safe to go... And legal.

But otherwise, they sell "traffic light changer"s. Look them up on ebay, they're like $15 USD shipped.

Answer 10

Can you flash high beams with a motorcycle? That's what I do with the car when it doesn't detect me in the car. I'm not sure how your sensors work, but that's how they work here in the US.