Question:  How does a traffic signal work and why don’t I get a green when I’m on a motorcycle?

 

Answer:  The short answer is traffic signals work just like a person would who is directing traffic.  First it “sees” a vehicle that needs a green, then it provides the green.  Most traffic signals “see” with detector loops that are buried in the pavement.  These loops detect masses of conductive metal.  They detect large masses, like cars or trucks, very well.  If properly installed, they should also detect smaller masses well, like motorcycles down to the size of a Honda Trail 70.  If you are not getting a green, remember the name of the intersection and the direction you are traveling, then call the City Traffic Engineer and ask him or her to adjust the detector and increase its sensitivity. 

 

In the meanwhile, your lane position can help.  Most detector loops are square shaped.  You will want to position your bike on the edge of the square, where the detector is most sensitive.  Sometimes you can see the outline of the loop in the pavement.  If you can’t see it, position your bike 3 feet from the either side of the lane, not in the center. 

If that doesn’t help, you might be at an intersection that uses video detection.  Look up on the mast arm near the traffic signal heads or streetlight, and see if there is a camera pointed at you.  Video detection “sees” you when it notices a change in the pixels in its image.  It needs to see a certain percentage of the pixels change before it will recognize a vehicle, somewhere around 5-10 percent.  Depending on how the camera zoom is set, a motorcycle may not be large enough to be recognized.  You may need to rock back and forth until you have changed enough pixels to be recognized.  Again, call the City Traffic Engineer and ask him or her to improve the camera settings.