Triggering Stop Lights
There is a great conversation going over at Kawiforums about the use of Magnets to help trigger stop lights.
The issue is that Motorcycles, Scooters, Bicycles, and some small vehicles (Scion’s, Yaris’s, Fit’s) don’t contain enough metal to trigger the induction loops that tells the stoplights that there is a vehicle there waiting to turn. ( ‘Induction loop’ is just a fancy term for metal detector. ) This becomes a major issue if you do lots of night riding, or riding in low traffic areas. As there is typically no one else in the turn lane to assist with triggering the light.
So the solution? Simply Magnets. In fact there are a ton of products out there that are really no more than rare earth magnets with fancy cases or adhesives on them. But you can do this yourself for less than 10$ at your local big-box store (Home Depot, Lowes, or ugg — Walmart)
1. 3M Acrylic Automotive tape (Which every man should have a roll of in his garage)
2. 2 Neodymium rare earth Magnets.
3. Plasti-Dip (Something else every man should have in his garage..)
Just attach the Magnets with opposing poles to the bottom of your frame or swing arm, and enjoy. Remember though, magnets do rust. So, if you do ride in the occasionl inclement weather, dip the magnets in a thin coating of the Plasti-Dip to help protect them from the elements.
Shade.Of.Black Said,
May 20, 2008 @ 2:22 pm
Now this is what I’ve been looking for. Around Richmond I’ve found 4 sets of traffic signals that will not trigger for my bike. Time to go shopping.
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Greywolf Said,
July 15, 2008 @ 12:27 am
Now that is a GREAT idea. I am going to give it a try this weekend and I’ll post back with updates.
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