As a frequent bicyclists, one of my regular frustrations is the inadequate bicycle detection.  The industry guidelines suggest a single 6-foot long detection zone at the stop bar in a bike lane or in vehicle lanes is adequate.  However, when I am on my bike, approaching an intersection with one or two vehicles waiting, and see the light go green, I often groan because I can see the green light will not last long enough for me to make it.  I am left with the choice of pumping really hard to try and make the green, or coasting in a waiting a minute or two for the light to change again.  Vehicle detection typically includes a 50-foot long zone on side streets or left turn pockets, or an advance zone on the main street in the through lanes.  

My desire is to get my fellow traffic signal designers to start providing advance detection zones in bike lanes.  The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is the primary source of guidance for California traffic signals.  It calls for advance detection zones on main street through phases at a distance based on travel speed.  According to Table 4D-101, for a typical bike speed of 15 mph, the distance would be 25 feet.  

What do you say, designers?  Let's give bicyclists a better chance of making the green light.