07-14-2016, 11:26 AM
(07-14-2016, 09:51 AM)tvot Wrote: I was biking on Columbia Street last night, going from the rail path to the Canadian Tire on Weber. When I got to Weber the light was red and there wasn't much traffic in either direction (no cars on my side), so I got into the left turn lane. Then I saw cars appear facing me on the other side and figured I'd be waiting there for a while, but my bike actually triggered the advanced green! I never expect that.
Typically at busy intersections I feel more comfortable dismounting and crossing one/both directions on foot if I'm doing a left turn. It can also speed up travel a little if the lights aren't in my favour.
I have also had little trouble triggering the sensors for lights, on left turn and such, at least, when you can see them. The most trouble I have had is when there aren't grooves or they aren't visible where the sensor is placed. Because a bike is so small, it's much more important to ride directly over the sensor than in a car.
That being said, it likely depends very much on the type of bike, and how much metal (or steel) is in it.
The biggest trouble I've actually had is on a handful of bike lanes I've encountered with lights which don't trigger unless a car is present, and where the bike lane has no sensor. Thus, if I rider where I'm supposed to, I never get to go. Very frustrating.