Author Topic: Insensitive Traffic Signals (Read 3629 times)

bilturner · « **on:** October 03, 2005, 01:25:31 PM »

Just started riding again after many years... I'm finding some intersections in my town have traffic signal sensors buried in the pavement not sensitive enouh to pick up my bike. I end up sitting there FOREVER waiting to get a green, often times the lights will cycle through several times not giving me a green until some SUV pulls up behind me....

What do you guys do when that happens?

MetalHead550 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 03, 2005, 01:37:37 PM »

G+R! Gun-it and Run-it!

Yeah I have the same problem at lights with the turn arrows. Usually wont pick me up unless cars are behind me. Mabey if you accessorized more. You know, giant fairing, saddle bags, 1000w stereo, head lights, trailer, mabey trike it, fat chick on the back, $10,000 in chrome bolt-ons, rediculously loud open pipes, a big group of people who own the same bike as you,.....an underpowered v twin

. That would surely get the sensors attention...or at least someones attention.

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2005, 01:39:21 PM »

I've been riding bikes for 30 years and this has always been a problem.

In the middle of the night when there are no cars around to trigger the sensors I always run the light...

... at other times, sit there and try not to look too stupid.

mick750F · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2005, 01:41:29 PM »

   I haven't run into that problem for a long time. It could be that the sensors around here are more sensitive or that there's so much traffic I'm rarely the only one waiting to turn.
   I have seen for sale a gizmo that you can mount on the underside of your bike that will trip the sensor. Don't ask me what principle they work on, I have no idea. You could look on ebay, I'm pretty sure I've seen them there. Or try a Google search.
   In the old days when it happened I would pick a spot and run the light.

Mike

egar · « **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2005, 05:38:01 PM »

Good news. You may be aware of this, but they make an aftermarket part that just sticks on the bottom of your bike. It's magnetic. Guaranteed to work at these lights.

Steve F · « **Reply #5 on:** October 04, 2005, 06:44:42 AM »

Whenever I find myself in that situation, I try to stop with the wheels directly over or to the inside of the buried wire. You can usually see where they are, by the tar covering the cut in the pavement, typically in a rectangular or square shape. That works around 80% of the time. The other 20% of the time I wish I had one of those magical "magnetic" thingies or a car would come up behind to trip the sensor.

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #6 on:** October 04, 2005, 06:50:22 AM »

Tried a Google - here's number one result:

"Every motorcyclist has pulled up to a red traffic light and waited to get the bike to trip a sensor to activate a left-turn or green traffic light. Often they just do not trip. Here are some things to try.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: varies

Here's How:
1. Get off your bike and push the "walk" button

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #7 on:** October 04, 2005, 06:55:39 AM »

Number 2 result:

www.light-changer.com/

bike54 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 04, 2005, 10:02:07 AM »

Quote from: SteveD CB500F on October 04, 2005, 06:55:39 AM

Number 2 result:

www.light-changer.com/

any one now if thease actually work

merv

Einyodeler · « **Reply #9 on:** October 04, 2005, 11:16:09 AM »

I haven`t tried the Light Changer myself but know of a few of guys that have them on their bikes and they all say it really works.

skamania19 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 04, 2005, 11:20:17 AM »

My brother has that problem at stoplights (new Yamaha). I don't seem to (old 750K). Maybe I've finally found a good excuse for preferring the 750 over the 550.

jaannaktin · « **Reply #11 on:** October 04, 2005, 12:02:47 PM »

I see the "light changer" has a money back guarantee if it doesn't work 80% of the time. 80% is about as good as horseshoes and handgrenades, and not much better than pure chance, but I guess for 13 smackeroos it isn't a big loss.

74cb750 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 04, 2005, 05:53:50 PM »

Last time at 3am I did a gun and run it....I got a ticket. Cop was a rider, so he just gave me a warning.

brockj · « **Reply #13 on:** October 05, 2005, 02:16:40 PM »

I just started riding, and here in MN apparently if the light is not changing you can go for it. Side it right in my permit manual.

Gordon · « **Reply #14 on:** October 05, 2005, 02:35:20 PM »

Quote from: 74cb750 on October 04, 2005, 05:53:50 PM

Last time at 3am I did a gun and run it....I got a ticket. Cop was a rider, so he just gave me a warning.

The idea is not to do it in front of a cop.

mick750F · « **Reply #15 on:** October 05, 2005, 07:45:31 PM »

Quote from: gordon on October 05, 2005, 02:35:20 PM

Quote from: 74cb750 on October 04, 2005, 05:53:50 PM
Last time at 3am I did a gun and run it....I got a ticket. Cop was a rider, so he just gave me a warning.

The idea is not to do it in front of a cop.

Apparently some see it as challenge.

Mike

pmpski_1 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 05, 2005, 09:06:51 PM »

Quote from: SteveD CB500F on October 04, 2005, 06:50:22 AM

Tried a Google - here's number one result:

"Every motorcyclist has pulled up to a red traffic light and waited to get the bike to trip a sensor to activate a left-turn or green traffic light. Often they just do not trip. Here are some things to try.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: varies

Here's How:
1. Get off your bike and push the "walk" button

That's what I do

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #17 on:** October 06, 2005, 08:18:55 AM »

I've been following this thread since there are a couple of intersections here in A2 I try to avoid for this reason. Got me wondering though, so I sent an eMail to the appropriate city department inquiring. Quick reponse, they usually do, may not always like the response, but in the past they have been timely.. of course they should, our taxes are high enough, but that's a whole other story. Anyway, here's the response I received. Next time I'm out, I'll try the position in the lane bit he suggests.

"Thank you for your e-mail.

Majority of our detectors are large wire coils embedded in the pavement. In case of left turn loops, we cut them usually 6 ft wide and 70 ft long and wind three turns of wire in them. The vehicle driving over the loop changes magnetic flux which is detected by the wire, amplified in the controller box and communicated to the signal controller. The bigger the mass of the vehicle the stronger the signal. This signal is amplified, so we can to certain extend increase the sensitivity of the loop.

A small motorcycle generates a signal which is 1/50 of a signal generated by a typical vehicle. A bicycle generates a signal five times weaker than the motorcycle, so there are certain problems with detecting bikes, and our newer loops are cut with the wire in the middle which increases sensitivity of the loop. The loop is most sensitive next to the wire, so if you can position your motorcycle some three feet off the center of the lane, you will generate the strongest signal. On some approaches the rectangle of the loop is visible, but on majority of them the loop is overlayed with the asphalt layer. If you can spot the loop, try to position your bike over the wire.

I will request that our signal technicians check the sensitivity of the particular loop that you mentioned. I know that in the past they were able to meet with cyclist at the site and adjust the sensitivity of the loop so the motorcycle was detected. If you would be willing to help us this way, let me know and I will contact you with our technicians."

mick750F · « **Reply #18 on:** October 06, 2005, 08:37:10 AM »

Quote from: Bob Wessner on October 06, 2005, 08:18:55 AM

I've been following this thread since there are a couple of intersections here in A2 I try to avoid for this reason. Got me wondering though, so I sent an eMail to the appropriate city department inquiring. Quick reponse, they usually do, may not always like the response, but in the past they have been timely.. of course they should, our taxes are high enough, but that's a whole other story. Anyway, here's the response I received. Next time I'm out, I'll try the position in the lane bit he suggests.

"Thank you for your e-mail.

Majority of our detectors are large wire coils embedded in the pavement. In case of left turn loops, we cut them usually 6 ft wide and 70 ft long and wind three turns of wire in them. The vehicle driving over the loop changes magnetic flux which is detected by the wire, amplified in the controller box and communicated to the signal controller. The bigger the mass of the vehicle the stronger the signal. This signal is amplified, so we can to certain extend increase the sensitivity of the loop.

A small motorcycle generates a signal which is 1/50 of a signal generated by a typical vehicle. A bicycle generates a signal five times weaker than the motorcycle, so there are certain problems with detecting bikes, and our newer loops are cut with the wire in the middle which increases sensitivity of the loop. The loop is most sensitive next to the wire, so if you can position your motorcycle some three feet off the center of the lane, you will generate the strongest signal. On some approaches the rectangle of the loop is visible, but on majority of them the loop is overlayed with the asphalt layer. If you can spot the loop, try to position your bike over the wire.

I will request that our signal technicians check the sensitivity of the particular loop that you mentioned. I know that in the past they were able to meet with cyclist at the site and adjust the sensitivity of the loop so the motorcycle was detected. If you would be willing to help us this way, let me know and I will contact you with our technicians."

My bike would probably be a pile of rust before I got that kind of response here...

Mike

don_m · « **Reply #19 on:** October 06, 2005, 09:31:28 AM »

This is a big problem to us all over as whenever the authourities adjust the sensitivity, if ever, a half dozen other new signals expand the issue. My Honda, with alloy wheels causes more trouble than my Brit bikes which have steel. Some rules that help: Pushing the button at the curb, while clumsy, works. If at all possible, don't turn against the light as that's a major violation. Try turning right, instead. While it is also illegal from the left turn lane, it is less dangerous violation & more likely to be overlooked. Then find a spot to make a u-turn to return to the intersection. You can also push the bike to the curb, make a right & a u-turn & probably not have a problem. Of course, if you know about the faulty sensor, plan to avoid & report it.
Cheers, Don Madden.

78 k550 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 06, 2005, 11:02:44 AM »

If I'm riding by myself I'll hardly ever trip the lights comming out of my sub. I turn right and do a u turn. If riding with 2 riders I never have a problem. I'll hit the button or just run it, it depends on the time of day and where i'm at.

jgary · « **Reply #21 on:** October 08, 2005, 04:39:01 AM »

The light changer thingies are just big magnets that generate more flux in the buried loop of wire than the bike by itself. I have a couple of magnets from the local hardware store stuck to the bottom of the bike to help me through theose trouble intersections. Now that Bob is getting the city to adjust the sensitivity, I might not need them any more.

John.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #22 on:** October 08, 2005, 05:03:33 AM »

Quote

Now that Bob is getting the city to adjust the sensitivity, I might not need them any more.

I did offer to help and gave them my number. We'll see if they actually call and it is for just one intersection I noticed, turning left from N-bound Maple to W-bound Liberty.

bryanj · « **Reply #23 on:** October 09, 2005, 04:32:34 AM »

Even more anoying when a 2am they dont notice the 53 ft long 97000lb semi and they are too slow of the mark to gun it

jaannaktin · « **Reply #24 on:** November 11, 2005, 01:07:15 PM »

Found this one online:

ElCheapo · « **Reply #25 on:** November 11, 2005, 06:32:34 PM »

Sounds crazy sort of. In Southern Cal I watched the firetrucks hit every green light. Then it occured to me that the flashing light on the front triggered a sensor on the signal light. So I tried it, flicking my lights from high low rapidly. I can say that it worked ok in the dark, you know that late night ride home at 4:00am. Other wise it had mixed results. Many times it worked. However a CHP (California Highway Patrol) friend of mine that I rode with said that doing this could be a ticket for inpersonating an emergency vehicle. Depends on the cops attitude...

seaweb11 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 11, 2005, 07:35:45 PM »

No lights here on my Island

But I must try that high/low trick next time I'm in the big city

clarkjh · « **Reply #27 on:** November 12, 2005, 06:19:25 AM »

Use to that trick when I drove a big rig, beat the hell out of stopping at lights on a hill. Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, they all have some lights that realy suck when loaded.

James

mwar · « **Reply #28 on:** November 12, 2005, 08:37:56 AM »

I have educational and work background in electronics, but I've never considered this problem before. I wonder if I could come up with a cheapo DIY circuit that can radiate a few pulses to an antenna coil of sorts, enough to cause a traffic light detector to trip. I could wire it to actuate with the stop light circuit. If I come up with something, Ill let you guys know.

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #29 on:** November 12, 2005, 08:47:57 AM »

Cool.

Keep us posted.

Is "mmmwwwaaarrrrrrrrrrr" the noise your bike makes?

mwar · « **Reply #30 on:** November 12, 2005, 12:48:24 PM »

Quote from: SteveD CB500F on November 12, 2005, 08:47:57 AM

Cool.

Keep us posted.

Is "mmmwwwaaarrrrrrrrrrr" the noise your bike makes?

Nope. But I had a two cycle that sounded like that.

My screen name is taken from my first initial. M, and my last name which translates literally to the word "war" from Spanish.

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #31 on:** November 12, 2005, 01:03:45 PM »

I thought 2-strokes went "rinnngg dinga dinga dinga" (ish)

mwar · « **Reply #32 on:** November 12, 2005, 10:30:09 PM »

Quote from: SteveD CB500F on November 12, 2005, 01:03:45 PM

I thought 2-strokes went "rinnngg dinga dinga dinga" (ish)

It did when the plug weren't fouled. Mine sounded more mwarmwarmwarmwar-ish.

cb650 · « **Reply #33 on:** November 13, 2005, 05:36:57 AM »

Someone long time ago said to shut the bike off and start it again. But on the 360 I've been riden it only kick starts. I usually run them or try to avoid it.

Terry

heffay · « **Reply #34 on:** November 13, 2005, 01:15:47 PM »

so, what i want to know is why isn't this traffic lite problem fixed by now. hasn't it been years and more years since people've been hassled by this.
maybe the problem really is fixed tho. and most of the lites were built prior to the fixed era. all i know is... the more i sit at the intersection the more i get to talk to my buddies or rev my engine or look at the cute doggie or girl or _______ in the car next door. maybe the traffic lite is not all that bad.

cb650 · « **Reply #35 on:** November 14, 2005, 05:12:45 PM »

It wont be fixed cause we are a small part of the public. Some #$%*s think bikes should be baned.

Terry

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Author Topic: Insensitive Traffic Signals (Read 3629 times)

MetalHead550

bike54

jaannaktin

brockj

don_m

jaannaktin

ElCheapo

mwar

mwar

mwar