Advocacy & Safety - Intersection sensor activator puts an end to cyclist discrimination

http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/07/intersection-sensor-activator-puts-an-end-to-cyclist-discriminat/

Engadget:
You're a good person with noble motivations -- you ride a bicycle instead of driving because it's healthy and it doesn't have a disastrously negative impact on the environment. We salute you, but not all of society appreciates your virtue like we do. In a sinister and systematic oppression of cyclists (we're absolutely certain it's intentional), many traffic lights are governed by sensors in the pavement that give a green light only after they've detected the change in inductance when a large metal car pulls up. Before you take up arms, though, take a look at this recently-patented device that sends out a signal that fools the sensors so cyclists don't have to wait for a car to unwittingly play good Samaritan -- we suppose we'll try this out just in case before we incite a violent revolution.


Appears a bit unwieldy to me......but it's a start.....

http://www.greenlightstuff.com/trigger.html

From the scooter/motorcycle realm.

Unwieldy is the word you want.

I never have a problem activating any of the loop sensors around these parts.

http://www.greenlightstuff.com/trigger.html

From the scooter/motorcycle realm.

Those don't work. The electromagnetic field created by turning the high beams on and off will, as will turning the engine off and then restarting it. We don't have those 2 choices.

I just place my bike on the dots on the pavement thoughfully provided by the city to mark the sensor trigger points.

Then, when nothing happens, I have to wait there for a car to show up an actually trip the sensor.

I can see the grooves where the sensors are buried and just line my rims up with them. It seems to work most, if not all, the time.

it really depends on how it is set up. but magnets don't work. I had to test it myself put a rare earth magnet right on top of the loop and nothing. this was one that can lift over 100 pounds.

...take a look at this recently-patented device that sends out a signal that fools the sensors...
:lol:
It's nothing more than a device to trip the inductance sensor.

Like others have said, just align your wheels with the sensor wires in the pavement. http://www.geocities.com/siliconvalley/port/2945/Traffic/TrafficSensors.htm
If that still does not work, call the signal maintenance crew and explain the problem. Take notes of who you talk to & when. Be prepared to quote the relevant laws that define what a legal vehicle is. Demand, as a citizen, taxpayer & legal user of the roads, that the traffic sensors accommodate you. If no action is taken, either contact the local bike advocacy group, city hall, or local media (my favorite).

Around here, the region is converting to cameras at the least excuse. My contact at the signal maintenance office says it's cheaper & easier to convert to cameras than replace an in-pavement induction loop. The cameras are easy, since if they will pick off a motorcycle, they can pick off a cyclist. Particularly if you take the lane.
;)

it really depends on how it is set up. but magnets don't work. I had to test it myself put a rare earth magnet right on top of the loop and nothing. this was one that can lift over 100 pounds.
Many of the sensors use A/C current in the loop. A magnet works better with the loops that use D/C current.

My mtb/commuter trips them, my road bike does not. Both are alum.

You're a good person with noble motivations -- you ride a bicycle instead of driving because it's healthy and it doesn't have a disastrously negative impact on the environment. We salute you, but not all of society appreciates your virtue like we do. In a sinister and systematic oppression of cyclists (we're absolutely certain it's intentional), many traffic lights are governed by sensors in the pavement that give a green light only after they've detected the change in inductance when a large metal car pulls up. Before you take up arms, though, take a look at this recently-patented device that sends out a signal that fools the sensors so cyclists don't have to wait for a car to unwittingly play good Samaritan -- we suppose we'll try this out just in case before we incite a violent revolution.
.

You need to hook up with Donkey-Hokey