Kansas Bill Allows Motorcyclists to Run Red Lights

[Willow]

My wife called to tell me the Kansas House had passed a bill to allow motorcyclists to proceed through red lights that had not changed to green after a "reasonable period of time".

I told her it wasn't likely to have any effect on my behavior.  She said she thought not.

Kansas Red Light Bill

[Bobbo]

Missouri has had a law like that for a long time, and I have used it quite a few times! 

If it happens a lot at the same intersection, I will call MODOT or the local transportation department, and they usually adjust it to work.

[Jim_Orr]

While I appreciate the idea of this bill, the very few times I've had a problem I just turned right did a U-turn down the street and turned right again at the intersection.  

[Westernbiker]

I've had to do it in Arizona only a few times, still has an uneasy feeling about it though.

[Westernbiker]

You know.....they have that magnet thing to put on the under side of your bike but I think it will pick up to many Harley parts. OK OK OK I didn't really mean it. LMAO!!!!!

[tank_post142]

the idea of the magnet is to pick up enough HD parts to increase your mass to the point of triggering the sensors!

[stude31]

SaWEET!!!!!

Although I must say.... I am guilty of breaking the law in the past.        You feel like an idiot sitting there as the lights cycle and you are still in the left turn lane.  It's kinda like the feeling of being picked last in school....   

Thank you Carl for the post!!   I shared it on my FB account too!!

[Spirited-6]

the idea of the magnet is to pick up enough HD parts to increase your mass to the point of triggering the sensors!

    

[Black Dog]

Years ago, my buddy and I, both on bikes, came upon a red light on our way home from down town...  It was late (after midnight), and there was a police car parked in the parking lot of a gas station across the street...  Considering the time, the fact that we had consumed a few adult beverages (not enough to impair), and the close proximity of the officer, we sat there waiting and waiting...  Finally, a booming voice (from the squads’ loud speaker) said "YOU CAN GO!"...  We went on our way, and gave him a 

Black Dog

[John Schmidt]

When I run into that problem, I put it in neutral and lower the kickstand so the foot is right over the tar seam in the road where the sensor runs. I've found it will trigger it most of the time, at least around here it works. I've tried it in other locales in the U.S. with about the same results....not 100%, but well over 50%.

[Westernbiker]

When I run into that problem, I put it in neutral and lower the kickstand so the foot is right over the tar seam in the road where the sensor runs. I've found it will trigger it most of the time, at least around here it works. I've tried it in other locales in the U.S. with about the same results....not 100%, but well over 50%.

Can't hurt to try it, thanks John!

[SANDMAN5]

We've had that law for a few years. I've "used" it several times.

[Hoser]

Lining up both tires on the sensor strip will usually do it.  Hoser

[Willow]

Quite frankly, although I do my best to approach the sensors in the best way possible to diminish the chance of an inconveniently uncooperative mechanism, I don't consider it my responsibility to go out of my way to accommodate the city/county/state's improperly functioning equipment.

If I find myself sitting at a light that seems it's not going to change for me, I will clear traffic and roll.  It's good to know I've been given the legal prerogative. It was the right thing for them to do.      

[Skinhead]

Willow, I'm sure the word was out that that was your practice, when the governor got wind of it, he must have said, "If Willow is doing this, it must be good for all, this must become law!"

or not.

By the way, I agree on the responsibility thing.

[Hoser]

I agree, I would feel like a dumba$$ if I sat at a red until a car came up behind me!    hoser

[Willow]

Willow, I'm sure the word was out that that was your practice, when the governor got wind of it, he must have said, "If Willow is doing this, it must be good for all, this must become law!"

I'm sure that's how it happened.     I'm just surprised he didn't pick up the phone to confirm.  You don't think he's lost my number, do you?   ??? 

[alph]

wisconsin allows a cycle to go through a red light if the cycle waits at least 45 seconds, and crossing traffic allows.  i have used this several times.  i think it's a great law.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a driver of a motorcycle
or moped or a bicycle rider approaches an intersection that is controlled by
a traffic light, the driver or rider may proceed through the intersection on
a steady red light only if the driver or rider (i) comes to a full and
complete stop at the intersection for two complete cycles of the traffic
light or for two minutes, whichever is shorter, (ii) exercises due care as
provided by law, (iii) otherwise treats the traffic control device as a stop
sign, and (iv) determines that it is safe to proceed and (v) yields the
right of way to the driver of any vehicle approaching on such other highway
from either direction."

[Serk]

Question though...

So, you have to use this... What about at a city revenue generation, er, I mean red light camera intersection?

You can't argue with a camera, and those tickets are notoriously difficult to get out of since they're civil and not criminal, lower standard... Wonder how you'd get outta that situation...

Ugh...

[Oss]

I have the magnet thing it doesnt always work but dropping the kickstand usually does also have called NYS DOT several times and they do come out and adjust the sensor at the corner where I get stuck often.   The advise I got was be dead center in the cut out is the best spot for the pick ups to work for you.  If I miss a full cycle I turn left across the 2 lane highway once the coast is clear

[RoadKill]

I just get off and casually walk over and push the cross walk button. When I mentioned it to the street dept. I was told that motorcycles were dangerous and it served me right to be inconvenienced.

[Brad]

When I mentioned it to the street dept. I was told that motorcycles were dangerous and it served me right to be inconvenienced.

I am surprised that you did not already know that important bit of information.  Don't you just love the customer service provided by some government agencies?

[Valkahuna]

+1 Willow!

I've always felt that I have fulfilled my obligation. Stop on red. If no green, and no traffic, I go with caution. I feel that looking down, trying to hit the line with both tires, or the foot of the kickstand on the line distracts way too much to be safe!

JMHO.

Quite frankly, although I do my best to approach the sensors in the best way possible to diminish the chance of an inconveniently uncooperative mechanism, I don't consider it my responsibility to go out of my way to accommodate the city/county/state's improperly functioning equipment.

If I find myself sitting at a light that seems it's not going to change for me, I will clear traffic and roll.  It's good to know I've been given the legal prerogative. It was the right thing for them to do.      

[Chrisj CMA]

While I appreciate the idea of this bill, the very few times I've had a problem I just turned right did a U-turn down the street and turned right again at the intersection.  

Ya, like that except its very subtile......more like a small "jink" right, then left, and then straight through........to the untrained eye it would look like I just went through a red light.  LOL

[Michael K (Az.)]

I just get off and casually walk over and push the cross walk button. When I mentioned it to the street dept. I was told that motorcycles were dangerous and it served me right to be inconvenienced.

I was under the impression that pressing the crosswalk button only allows the walk/don't walk sign to operate and doesn't effect the traffic lights at all.

[Bobbo]

I just get off and casually walk over and push the cross walk button. When I mentioned it to the street dept. I was told that motorcycles were dangerous and it served me right to be inconvenienced.

I was under the impression that pressing the crosswalk button only allows the walk/don't walk sign to operate and doesn't effect the traffic lights at all.

WOW!  Now that would be a challenge!!      

[Willow]

I just get off and casually walk over and push the cross walk button. When I mentioned it to the street dept. I was told that motorcycles were dangerous and it served me right to be inconvenienced.

I was under the impression that pressing the crosswalk button only allows the walk/don't walk sign to operate and doesn't effect the traffic lights at all.

WOW!  Now that would be a challenge!!      

It's actually part of the proposed Arizona Pedestrian Reduction Act (PRA).  It's still pending review and approval by the federal government.

Motivation for this new and innovative legislation resulted from a study concluding that in almost every vehicle/pedestrian collision, the pedestrian was most greatly injured and, by implication, the higher financial burden to taxpayers and the medical insurance cartel.  The logical outcome of this determination was that any measures resulting in a reduction of pedestrians and thus a diminishing occurrence of pedestrian/vehicle incidents would render a more attractive environment for taxpayers and the future governmentally consolidated medical insurance cartel.

It has also been strongly suggested that in view of the latest financial numbers, the long standing tradition of automatic assumption of guilt in pedestrian/vehicle incidents be legally reversed.        

[RoadKill]

I just get off and casually walk over and push the cross walk button. When I mentioned it to the street dept. I was told that motorcycles were dangerous and it served me right to be inconvenienced.

I was under the impression that pressing the crosswalk button only allows the walk/don't walk sign to operate and doesn't effect the traffic lights at all.

WOW!  Now that would be a challenge!!      

It's actually part of the proposed Arizona Pedestrian Reduction Act (PRA).  It's still pending review and approval by the federal government.

Motivation for this new and innovative legislation resulted from a study concluding that in almost every vehicle/pedestrian collision, the pedestrian was most greatly injured and, by implication, the higher financial burden to taxpayers and the medical insurance cartel.  The logical outcome of this determination was that any measures resulting in a reduction of pedestrians and thus a diminishing occurrence of pedestrian/vehicle incidents would render a more attractive environment for taxpayers and the future governmentally consolidated medical insurance cartel.

It has also been strongly suggested that in view of the latest financial numbers, the long standing tradition of automatic assumption of guilt in pedestrian/vehicle incidents be legally reversed.        

I ride on the sidewalks any how, so it's not a problem either way. 

[Stitch_in_La]

Have a difficult light near the house.  Watched a bike sit through a cycle came up behind him in  the  F250, had to honk to get his attention, he had to take his earplugs out told him pull up and I would get the lights to cycle for him, yeah it was a harly.

Stitch

[Bobbo]

I just get off and casually walk over and push the cross walk button. When I mentioned it to the street dept. I was told that motorcycles were dangerous and it served me right to be inconvenienced.

I was under the impression that pressing the crosswalk button only allows the walk/don't walk sign to operate and doesn't effect the traffic lights at all.

WOW!  Now that would be a challenge!!      

It's actually part of the proposed Arizona Pedestrian Reduction Act (PRA).  It's still pending review and approval by the federal government.

Changing laws to benefit a private industry doesn't surprise me.

The way the post was written could imply that the button may turn on the "walk" sign and leave the cross traffic light green, making for a tricky and hasty crossing!! 

[fiddle mike]

I just get off and casually walk over and push the cross walk button. When I mentioned it to the street dept. I was told that motorcycles were dangerous and it served me right to be inconvenienced.

More slugs feeding at the public trough  and forgetting who butters their bread.

I don't know about the Kansas guys, but in Texas we don't need the Legislature to tell us what to do when the light won't change.  

.

[Michael K (Az.)]

I just get off and casually walk over and push the cross walk button. When I mentioned it to the street dept. I was told that motorcycles were dangerous and it served me right to be inconvenienced.

I was under the impression that pressing the crosswalk button only allows the walk/don't walk sign to operate and doesn't effect the traffic lights at all.

WOW!  Now that would be a challenge!!      

It's actually part of the proposed Arizona Pedestrian Reduction Act (PRA).  It's still pending review and approval by the federal government.

Changing laws to benefit a private industry doesn't surprise me.

The way the post was written could imply that the button may turn on the "walk" sign and leave the cross traffic light green, making for a tricky and hasty crossing!! 

My bad!!
The lights would, of course, change before the walk sign would illuminate. Just thinkin that the actual time of the lights wouldn't alter, only the walk sign would come on when the button was depressed.

[Bobbo]

I just get off and casually walk over and push the cross walk button. When I mentioned it to the street dept. I was told that motorcycles were dangerous and it served me right to be inconvenienced.

I was under the impression that pressing the crosswalk button only allows the walk/don't walk sign to operate and doesn't effect the traffic lights at all.

WOW!  Now that would be a challenge!!      

It's actually part of the proposed Arizona Pedestrian Reduction Act (PRA).  It's still pending review and approval by the federal government.

Changing laws to benefit a private industry doesn't surprise me.

The way the post was written could imply that the button may turn on the "walk" sign and leave the cross traffic light green, making for a tricky and hasty crossing!! 

My bad!!
The lights would, of course, change before the walk sign would illuminate. Just thinkin that the actual time of the lights wouldn't alter, only the walk sign would come on when the button was depressed.

In St. Louis there are lights that stay green until a vehicle pulls up or a pedestrian pushes the button.  I can't think of any other reason to have a button if it doesn't affect cross traffic.  Turning on a walk sign wouldn't affect motor traffic at all.

[Michael K (Az.)]

I just get off and casually walk over and push the cross walk button. When I mentioned it to the street dept. I was told that motorcycles were dangerous and it served me right to be inconvenienced.

I was under the impression that pressing the crosswalk button only allows the walk/don't walk sign to operate and doesn't effect the traffic lights at all.

WOW!  Now that would be a challenge!!      

It's actually part of the proposed Arizona Pedestrian Reduction Act (PRA).  It's still pending review and approval by the federal government.

Changing laws to benefit a private industry doesn't surprise me.

The way the post was written could imply that the button may turn on the "walk" sign and leave the cross traffic light green, making for a tricky and hasty crossing!! 

My bad!!
The lights would, of course, change before the walk sign would illuminate. Just thinkin that the actual time of the lights wouldn't alter, only the walk sign would come on when the button was depressed.

In St. Louis there are lights that stay green until a vehicle pulls up or a pedestrian pushes the button.  I can't think of any other reason to have a button if it doesn't affect cross traffic.  Turning on a walk sign wouldn't affect motor traffic at all.

Years ago, I checked and timed the intersection of Brooks and Main in Venice due to a bet I had going. At that time and at that intersection I found that the walk button only turned on the green walk sign when pressed, but only when the light was due to change normally. The light didn't change any quicker but it may have allowed the green light to stay on longer.(had a lot of time on my hands back then!)

[Gryphon Rider]

On a rare occasion even my Saturn with plastic body parts won't trigger a signal.  If a signal is obviously not responding to my motorcycle, and I don't have a vehicle behind me to wave forward onto the sensor loop, I  have no guilt in blowing the red if it is safe to do so.  If I should ever get ticketed, I think I have a defense provided by the Alberta Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation, Part 2, Division 1, Section 59:

     Malfunctioning traffic control device
     59 If a traffic control signal is not operating or is not operating
     properly, a person driving a vehicle on a roadway that is in the
     vicinity of the traffic control signal shall use the roadway with
     caution.

[fudgie]

I just drop my beer cans on the sig box. Seems to trip them faster. 

[Skinhead]

I just drop my beer cans on the sig box. Seems to trip them faster. 

It worked better back in the day when they used steel cans.  But I agree, an acceptable solution to a vexing problem.  Just another case of the man keepin' a brother down.

[JimC]

wisconsin

346.37(1)(c)4.     
4. Notwithstanding subd. 1., a motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle facing a red signal at an intersection may, after stopping as required under subd. 1. for not less than 45 seconds, proceed cautiously through the intersection before the signal turns green if no other vehicles are present at the intersection to actuate the signal and the operator of the motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle reasonably believes the signal is vehicle actuated. The operator of a motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle proceeding through a red signal under this subdivision shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicular traffic, pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device proceeding through a green signal at the intersection or lawfully within a crosswalk or using the intersection. This subdivision does not affect any authorization for a bicyclist under subd. 2.

Jim

[alph]

wisconsin

346.37(1)(c)4.     
4. Notwithstanding subd. 1., a motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle facing a red signal at an intersection may, after stopping as required under subd. 1. for not less than 45 seconds, proceed cautiously through the intersection before the signal turns green if no other vehicles are present at the intersection to actuate the signal and the operator of the motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle reasonably believes the signal is vehicle actuated. The operator of a motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle proceeding through a red signal under this subdivision shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicular traffic, pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device proceeding through a green signal at the intersection or lawfully within a crosswalk or using the intersection. This subdivision does not affect any authorization for a bicyclist under subd. 2.

Jim

yep, that's the one i was looking for!!  thanks jim!! (i gave up lookiing.)