dfz (11/22/82)
I have often run red lights on my cycle (a 1980 Yamaha XS11 for those who like to compare notes) due to the problem of inadequate traffic sensors. I've never been caught, and my conscience doesn't particularly bother me. Could some one who *has* been caught inform us as to how well one can defend oneself in this situation? Thanks. Dave Ziffer ...!iwlc7!dfz
faunt (11/23/82)
I have had the same problem, and have run the lights, BUT have also made note of the malfunctioning sensor, and written a letter to the appropriate authority. Usually, it is fixed, two have not been, but I figure, since I have complained, in writing, to the appropriate people, who, by the way, say that these sensors are supposed to trip for motorcycles, I would have a very good defense, if it ever came to that.
grego@athena.UUCP (Grego Sanguinetti) (07/22/85)
Most traffic lights are tripped by an inductor coil inlaid in the lane(s) just before the crosswalk. They look like two diamonds connected by a straight line oriented lengthwise wrt the lane. One of these (double) coils appears in each lane, including the left-turn lane if there is a dedicated left-turn light. There is often a single diamond inlaid some 75 feet before the intersection for timing to approaching cars. The best plan is to make sure you pass over the approach coil and then set your bike directly on the double coil so the connecting line passes right underneath your engine. I have never had this fail (with a working light) for any 750(4) or larger bike. -------------------------------------- | | /\ /\__/\ | | \/ \/ \/ | | | | -------------------------------------- Grego Sanguinetti uucp: {ucbcad,decvax,pur-ee,cbosg,ihnss}!tektronix!teklds!grego CSnet: grego@tek ARPAnet:grego.tek@rand-relay
daw1@rduxb.UUCP (WILLIAMS) (07/23/85)
Most new traffic light systems operate using an inductive system. So stop over the (usually) visible marks in the pavement to help the system realize a bike is there. By the way, did you ever come up behind a dummy in a 2-ton car pulled way out past the white line and past the sensors? They probably were sitting there a long time! What do those idiots think the big white line is for anyway? No wonder they can't see a damn bike :-( Doug Williams AT&T Bell Labs Reading, PA mhuxt!rduxb!daw1
jml@drutx.UUCP (LeonJM) (07/24/85)
Seeing as how no one else has suggested it yet... Since most people agree (and I also believe) that the sensors sense metal, try putting your kickstand down on the visible portion of the loop. I sometimes ride a Yamaha XT350 which has gobs of plastic compared to regular street bikes and it usually works for me, but, maybe I'm just lucky. John Leon AT&T ISL Denver ihnp4!drutx!jml