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It's all about timing when pulling up to the light. I can tell you that it does not work. I lived in Chicago for most of my life and it NEVER worked. I had friends try it and I even did, but it never tripped the light. If you managed to trip the light the indicator light on the top would flash in your direction showing that yours was the direction opened for emergency traffic and a solid light would come on for the cross traffic. Watch for this when you think you are tripping the light, because I can guarantee you that it won't be lit up (unless an emergency vehicle happens to be approaching).
They design and test these systems so that they can not be falsely activated by non emergency vehicles which is why the people that have been busted tripping them have had devices in their vehicles in order to do so. If it was possible to trip them by flashing your lights at it, don't you think that there would be gridlock from everyone trying it? Think about it.
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Id say that the lights around here that are on sensors fail to trigger about 25% of the time for my CB1100. More like 50% on my wife's CTX and almost never on my old CBR250r. We have the 2 minute rule in Illinois, so if it doesn't trigger, I go. Has never been a problem for me. I don't know the rules in other states, but I'm going if it doesn't trigger regardless; operating on the theory that it is unlikely that a cop will see me, if I'm careful and if they do and IF they decide to stop me, I will bank on my charm and advanced age to keep me from getting a ticket. I'll report back if those technique fails me, but it's worked for 5+ years so....
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(11-16-2015, 12:22 PM)Randy B_imp Wrote: It's all about timing when pulling up to the light. I can tell you that it does not work. I lived in Chicago for most of my life and it NEVER worked. I had friends try it and I even did, but it never tripped the light. If you managed to trip the light the indicator light on the top would flash in your direction showing that yours was the direction opened for emergency traffic and a solid light would come on for the cross traffic. Watch for this when you think you are tripping the light, because I can guarantee you that it won't be lit up (unless an emergency vehicle happens to be approaching).
They design and test these systems so that they can not be falsely activated by non emergency vehicles which is why the people that have been busted tripping them have had devices in their vehicles in order to do so. If it was possible to trip them by flashing your lights at it, don't you think that there would be gridlock from everyone trying it? Think about it.
It's certainly possible you are right, perhaps it was a question of timing and I just happened to pull up at the right time. Guess I will have to try some more scientific testing. It is curious however that it seems to work much better at night than daytime. I can also tell you that I have noticed this only within the last two years. How long ago did you live in the Chicago area?
(11-16-2015, 01:25 PM)EmptySea_imp Wrote: Id say that the lights around here that are on sensors fail to trigger about 25% of the time for my CB1100. More like 50% on my wife's CTX and almost never on my old CBR250r. We have the 2 minute rule in Illinois, so if it doesn't trigger, I go. Has never been a problem for me. I don't know the rules in other states, but I'm going if it doesn't trigger regardless; operating on the theory that it is unlikely that a cop will see me, if I'm careful and if they do and IF they decide to stop me, I will bank on my charm and advanced age to keep me from getting a ticket. I'll report back if those technique fails me, but it's worked for 5+ years so....
You have so much charisma I don't see that method failing you anytime soon!
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there is one her locally that I run fairly often if I am the only vehicle waiting to turn. I used to sit thru several cycles of lights for it to change. Now I sit thru one, if it doesn't change I look in all directions and go. If there is a vehicle behind me I pull forward so they get on top of the wires and it will change without fail.
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(11-12-2015, 01:31 PM)offroadfx4_imp Wrote: This sounds like an idea worth trying!
Dumb question, did you actually screw it to your stand or just let it use it's magnetic attraction properties to hang on....
I would probably worry what would happen to the rear tire, maybe chain if it were to become unattached at high speeds.
(11-11-2015, 10:35 AM)bflint_imp Wrote: Just bought a "CMS Magnetics 150 LB capacity" 2 inch round by 3/8 inch thick chrome magnet on Amazon for $13.00. Just put on the center stand brace. WOW! Work great out here in San Diego. Don't have to run red lights anymore.
** No screws used; just let the magnet do the job. However, I do plan to flip it over so the stronger magnetic side is pointing down which will require me to screw it in.
