I’ve had some trouble at a few intersections getting the light to turn green. I think the intersections are “demand actuated” signals — i.e. you have to be detected before the signal will change. In case any of you folks have had similar problems, here is a link to a page entitled Detection of Bicycles at Demand-Actuated Traffic Signals. Seems that a lot of these devices are essentially metal detectors.
Good link, I have run into this issue in communities in which I lived including Fort Wayne and Campbell, California.
I’ve run into this as well. One other thing I do it put my resting foot on the wire as well. I have clipless pedals and cleats in my shoes, and I think it helps a little if I get that cleat right on top of the wire.
Doug, I run into the same issue with my motorcycle. Even those won’t trip a light.
I was told at some motorcycle shops like Dreyer’s you can buy what’s called a “100 pound magnet” and mount it. It fakes the traffic signal into tripping like a car was passing over it. I don’t know if it can be mounted to a bicycle nor what its physical size is. I assume 100 pounds is the “force” and not the “weight”.
Some states (out west) have passed a “stuck light” law for 2 wheel road users – whether you’re on a Raleigh or a Harley. If you wait 10 seconds or so and there is no oncoming traffic you can proceed thru a red light.
I’m not too worried, I suppose. It’d be kind of a fun, low-risk case to take to court if our fine law enforcement agencies in the area ever wrote me a ticket.
I read recently that signal lights can be tripped by a strobe light- apparently the optical sensors are triggered by flashing lights. any non-red or non-blue strobe will work, as I understand it. Also, the white detector strips on the pavement, will trip more rapidly if you move up far enough so both wheels pass over them. The Signal computer at the intersection thinks its a safety vehicle; and cycles the lights quicker- especially at left turn green arrow locations. Be careful so as to not be so far in the interscetion you block cross traffis, or get clipped by intersecting left turners.
I also heard there are microwave pulse generators available on the internet that can trip signals as well.
The systems will all be upgraded in the next 10 years, so enjoy this scientifically tested advice while it lasts. test it out for yourself.
Happy to save you all some precious liquid gold- gas, instead of sitting idling, burning up the atmosphere. we all have better things to do than wasting time at left turn arrows, when its safe to tunr, but illegal, due to archaic, nanny state laws, which dont allow us to use our own judgement in driving, or navigating Hoosier streets.