Originally Posted by
I_bRAD
Useful to know, but I usually just "look both ways before crossing the street" and then go when it is safe to do so. If there is enough traffic that you actually need the lights to change to get across, then chances are there are cars waiting with you which will trip the sensor for you anyhow.
Not always. I live in a small neighborhood bounded on two sides by arterial roads; during the busiest times of day, those roads hold a steady stream of traffic... there is no way to cross or merge without somehow slowing the flow.
The other two sides of my neighborhood are steep high walls down into canyons...
Since this is a small neighborhood "island," there isn't that much other traffic to ensure that someone may come along and trigger the light with me. Often I am on my own. Many times I am forced to simply walk the bike to the corner and act like a pedestrian and push the walk button as my only recourse.