Page 1 of 1

how to trip traffic lights

Posted: 28 Jul 2008, 11:04
by geoffs
Just found this explanation on how signal loop detection works for signalling traffic lights to change.
http://www.cyclistview.com/signaldetection/index.htm
I'm sure that the light in Sydney would work the same way.

Posted: 28 Jul 2008, 14:35
by Huw
As far as I can tell, the loops work on detecting some deflection of a magnetic field, but the vast majority of bike rims (presentation quotes up to 10x better deflection than frame) and frames today are non-ferrous (no iron), which would make any attempt of deflection useless?

Posted: 28 Jul 2008, 15:04
by mikesbytes
I understand that it doesn't matter which metal the rims are made from, ie Alloy is fine. CF would be a problem.

Posted: 28 Jul 2008, 19:33
by weiyun
Yes, I have always ridden that way, along and right over the axis of the inlaid cable. Works pretty well. :D

Posted: 29 Jul 2008, 08:16
by jimmy
always works for me too.

As I often say, I am a motorists worst nightmare... A cyclist who knows how to trip the lights...

James

Posted: 29 Jul 2008, 13:19
by weiyun
As I often say, I am a motorists worst nightmare... A cyclist who knows how to trip the lights...
And then jump the red and leave a ghost for the green light? :wink:

Posted: 29 Jul 2008, 22:54
by geoff m
and the good news is for those of us who miss the mark and don't change the lights, with no prospect of other cars triggering it, may proceed through the intersection treating the lights as a Stop Sign (Australian Road Rules)

Posted: 30 Jul 2008, 12:32
by geoffs
didn't know about that rule Geoff. Is there a time limit for how long you have to wait?

Posted: 30 Jul 2008, 14:52
by weiyun
didn't know about that rule Geoff. Is there a time limit for how long you have to wait?
I wondered about the time frame too. And how does one prove the inability to trigger? Ever been tested in the courts?

Posted: 30 Jul 2008, 16:36
by jimmy
I know when I ride early on Sunday solo that there is a set of lights that I can't always trigger. I wait about 30-40 seconds, and then proceed with caution.

It is usually pre 6am on a Sunday, so it is pretty easy to find a gap, even on a busy road like King Street.

James

Posted: 30 Jul 2008, 23:13
by mikesbytes
Toff and I applied the principal tonight with complete success 8)

isn't that what kids are for?

Posted: 08 Nov 2008, 20:42
by Belinda
I can clearly remember one freezing cold Saturday where the Slowies bunch stopped 20m short of an intersection in a patch of sun and made Llewellyn ride up to the line and trigger the lights.

Re: isn't that what kids are for?

Posted: 08 Nov 2008, 21:11
by weiyun
I can clearly remember one freezing cold Saturday where the Slowies bunch stopped 20m short of an intersection in a patch of sun and made Llewellyn ride up to the line and trigger the lights.
Ride faster if you want to get warm! :lol: