Bill would allow Illinois Motorcycle Riders and Cyclists to go through Red Light

[wolverine]

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/122865899.html

I can see the point when the light fails to chage, I just hope people don't do a half-assed stop and roll through.

Some of the demand-actuated lights have been updated to properly detect bicyclists, which may make this law quickly outdated.

Currently, red light cameras are configured to disregard cyclists for running red lights. [[Though I've never tried, and don't intend too)

[lpg]

That's one way to increase the organ donor pool.

[Kevgoblue]

I always hear bicyclists saying that they have the same rights in the streets that a motor vehicle does.
I would imagine that includes the right to sit thru what you deem to be a long and unnecessary red light.

[firstandten]

On another note, could some of you on here tell me whats the great appeal of a helmet optional law ?

[Jimaz]

On another note, could some of you on here tell me whats the great appeal of a helmet optional law ?

In Arizona helmets are optional. The rationalization there is that they're too hot in the desert sun. I'd never ride without one. They should design a helmet with an evaporative cooler if such a thing doesn't already exist.

[Jimaz]

Oh, and I've experienced a traffic light stuck on red. It was in Denver in the middle of the night. There was almost no traffic around. I must have waited five minutes rolling back and forth trying to trigger a sensor. This was in a full-sized car too.

At some point you just have to recognize that the only sane thing to do is to overrule the broken machine and move on.

[firstandten]

In Arizona helmets are optional. The rationalization there is that they're too hot in the desert sun. I'd never ride without one. They should design a helmet with an evaporative cooler if such a thing doesn't already exist.

Thank you, it would seem that riding without a helmet would leave you little to no margin of error if somehow you fell off your bike.

[maxx]

Do a lot of Detroiters still blow red lights in their cars? If so, this law would just add to the mess.

[Meddle]

When I first read about this, it only addressed bicycles. I can understand and support that due to their size, weight and mass. I agree it would be unlikely for them to trigger the sensors. Plus, they don't generally ride within traffic lanes.

Motorcycles however are a different matter. Many of them are heavier that some cars. A full sized Harley with a side-car for example.

I support it for bicycles, but not for motorcycles.