When i come to a stop light?

Question

When i ride my motorcycle, and i come up to a stop light it will not change to green I am guessing that its because there isnt enough metal on the bike for the sensor to pick it up.....so i just run the light, well i have been and dont like doing that what should i do in this situation?

Answer 1

If it doesn't cycle your way, put your bike in neutral, put your side stand down on the tarmac and count to 10, put you side stand back up place in gear and get ready to roll.
Apparently some sensors were made to look for metal in the car to trigger them and that is why it will not trigger,
Other wise if there is no traffic behind you move your bike backwards and forwards slowly over the sensor pad, you might not have got it the first time around

Answer 2

Some states have what is called an affirmative defense in that case. This is from Minnesota:

Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 169.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 9. [AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE RELATING TO UNCHANGING TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL.]
(a) A person operating a motorcycle who violates subdivision 4 by entering or crossing an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal against a red light has an affirmative defense to that charge if the person establishes all of the following conditions:
(1) the motorcycle has been brought to a complete stop;
(2) the traffic-control signal continues to show a red light for an unreasonable time;
(3) the traffic-control signal is apparently malfunctioning or, if programmed or engineered to change to a green light only after detecting the approach of a motor vehicle, the signal has apparently failed to detect the arrival of the motorcycle; and
(4) no motor vehicle or person is approaching on the street or highway to be crossed or entered or is so far away from the intersection that it does not constitute an immediate hazard.
(b) The affirmative defense in this subdivision applies only to a violation for entering or crossing an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal against a red light and does not provide a defense to any other civil or criminal action.

It varies by state, so check with yours.

Answer 3

It's an ongoing problem. Some say mounting a magnet to the bottom of the frame helps, but I can't see how it would. If you live here, they are at least trying to help out...

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- It's against the law to run a red light, but that could change -- sometimes -- if you're riding a motorcycle in South Carolina.

A bill before the South Carolina Senate would allow motorcyclists to ride through a red light legally, if the light has remained red for at least 20 seconds, Greenville television station WYFF reported.

Motorcyclists would also be required to stop and check for traffic.

Answer 4

Well, I run it; But here comes your best answer............................. The Green Light Trigger

It's really quite simple, slap it on the bottom of your bike, drive over the sensor in the road, the light is aware that you've arrived, and you'll get the green light just as if you're a car or truck. Attach to the bottom of any bike and helps make the bike more "visible" to traffic signal detectors.

Answer 5

I had the same problem on my scooter but I learned how to trigger them.

Stop on a metal sensor strip and then use your left foot to push down on your kickstand or center stand. Allow the stand to make contact with the metal strip. I usually will roll a little while doing this to ensure that it senses me.

If you still can't trigger that green light, give a call to city hall. Report the problem. The sensor may either be broken or may need to be adjusted to make it more sensitive.

If you're riding legally, then the city is obligated to do its part in keeping you safe on the streets while you travel.

Google "green light trigger" and you will find more information about the sensors, how to trigger them, and what products are marketed to make it easier to trigger lights. Using my centerstand to make contact with ground saved me around $20 that would have been spent on a magnet.

Good luck!

Answer 6

You can usually see cut outs in the pavement where the sensors are , if so park right on top.
Even then ,once in a while you will encounter a light that just does not know you are there, I run them too.
If you are really concerned ,you can push the button for the crosswalk.
The proper thing would be to report the malfunctioning sensor to the dept of road maintenance.

Answer 7

The weight sensors usually aren't a problem for bikes but the magnetic sensors can be for aluminum frame bikes. I haven't had that problem since I put a steel cage and 12 bar on my bike though. I would just continue to run the redlight if you've been stopped for an inordinate amount of time, no cop is going to ticket you if you run a red for that reason.

LMAO @ squid jimmy

Answer 8

There's a good post on this subject on one of my regular forums. There are actually coils in the ground that produce an electrical field. It takes a large ferrous metal object to trip them. It has nothing to do with weight. These type of sensors are especially common in left turn lanes.

Harley riders don't usually have as much problem with these lights because their bikes have a lot of steel. Sport bikes are mostly aluminum/magnesium/titanium/plastic.

Answer 9

You should come to a complete stop - if it is an intersection that you come to often, try stopping in different positions within the lane to see if you can trip it.

If it does not seem like it is going to change (and noone else comes along - in which case you can just roll forward and let them trip it) then make sure it is safe, and you are allowed to treat it like a stop sign.

I would probably hesitate to do it in front of a cop, since some are insufferable d**kheads, but if one does see you do it, you can try explaining it to them, but don't argue - if they give you any crap, just take the ticket, go to court, and tell the judge the situation. If you have a clean record you will probably walk.

Of course, that is all based on the theory that the cop could actually catch you (vroom vroom).

Answer 10

Get a green light trigger. You can look them up on the net. You are correct, bikes don't have a large enough magnetic field to trip the sensor.