I had one of those "green light" magnet on my last bike and it only worked about half the time. Now, I just try to stop near the top of the loop sensor.

As far as "busting" the red light, some states have enacted laws that allow bikes to proceed after some time if the light wont trip. You will need to check your local laws. If needed, you might also contact the AMA about getting the law changed in .your state.

Regarding coming to a full stop at a light or stop sign, here in Pennsylvania some cops are looking for your foot to touch the ground, otherwise, its ticket time.

Safe Riding!

 

No crossing on a red light in Ontario,Canada even if you sit there for an hour....gotta wait for a car or turn right, turn around and turn right again.

 

Can't speak for him, but I don't think anyone is advising people to run red lights. They've just simply stated what the state laws are in there area and as SkinnyonFatboyLo stated, here in NC it is a relatively new law that allows you to cross or turn at intersections when the light doesn't change after waiting for 3 minutes (but yea, who's timing? ). It's a pretty simple concept, but if you cause an accident, you are obviously liable.

In some area's such as mine, during certain times of the day the lights run by time, is my understanding. So it wouldn't matter how many magnets you dangle off your frame, the light isn't going to change until its predetermined time.

 

Yeah no one is saying "Blow through the red light".. everyone is saying "Stop for the light, wait for it to change, if you're sitting there for enough time that it should have changed..1 minute..3 minutes..whatever, and it's safe to proceed, then do it"

 

I just lower my kickstand to the road (passing through the induction field) and bring it back up. It seems to work every time.

 

I do the same

 

I admit that I don't know how they operate. However, what you are saying can't possibly be correct. The sensors are clearly visible in the middle of the lane as you approach the stop line. If they were weight activated, that would mean cars and trucks would never trigger them, since their wheels would be straddling the sensors.

 

Understand how "demand-actuated" traffic signals work. These are traffic lights that will only turn green when a vehicle is sensed, usually to allow the vehicle to cross a street or make a left turn. At problematic traffic lights, look for a loop of wire buried in the pavement of the road near the stop line. This is called an "inductive-loop traffic detector"[2] that works somewhat like a metal detector, sensing any conductive metal (aluminum, steel, iron, etc.). Sometimes these sensors are improperly designed or adjusted, so they don't pick up on the presence of a smaller vehicle. These sensors do not detect the weight of a vehicle, but rather sense how much it disturbs an electromagnetic field. Once tripped, the signal will begin the light switching process using pre-programmed rules (within 30 seconds, usually less). "Bigger" or more noticable vehicles do not cause the light to turn quicker - your vehicle either trips the switch to begin the process or not. There are ways to make yourself more noticeable to prevent waiting indefinitely.

Here you go, for anyone who cares to read more about the various loop setups etc, How to Trigger Green Traffic Lights

 

Many are weight activated in the US.

 

Not all systems have a sensor that is "clearly visible in the middle of the lane". Some are weight activated sensors under the pavement.