left turn at red controled by sensor, bicycle

[alex chiappetta]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California.


I was once told it is legal to turn left at red light while riding a bicycle IF the traffic signal is controlled by a sensor and IF the sensor does not detect the bike.

I am trying to verify if this is actually true.

I was told it is written in the vehicle code, but I cannot locate it there.

thank you -- alex.

 

[CdwJava]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California.


I was once told it is legal to turn left at red light while riding a bicycle IF the traffic signal is controlled by a sensor and IF the sensor does not detect the bike.

I am trying to verify if this is actually true.

I was told it is written in the vehicle code, but I cannot locate it there.

thank you -- alex.

I am unaware of such a statute's presence in the CVC.

An officer may well cut a cyclist a break in such a situation, but, I do not believe there is any such thing in the CVC anywhere.

 

[FlyingRon]

I don't believe it exists either. Cyclists always have the option to dismount at intersections and become pedestrians.

 

[tranquility]

There's no such rule. One tip is to lean your bike so the metal frame is close to the ground sensor.

 

[musicman654321]

There's no such rule. One tip is to lean your bike so the metal frame is close to the ground sensor.

How about he tows or pushes a car so it will activate.

As a cyclist, I just go when its safe in these situations. Never had an issue..and in a very big city (top 3 in USA).

 

[tranquility]

I've never had a problem with this either. But, maybe the OP does. He may not have your winning personality and is worried about getting a ticket. I presented a method I use to trigger the light if my stopping on the sensor line itself doesn't work. You see, just because a small subset of two have not had a problem does not make it legal. It is a moving violation which is expensive and goes on your driving record. Do you know how much running a red light can cost you in CA?

 

[You Are Guilty]

Happens fairly often on smaller motorcycles, too. Luckily, there is a semi-solution (doesn't always work, but should help quite a bit):
http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/traffic-red-light-changer-trip-sensor-magnet-motorcycle-moped-scooter-gadget-universal-mount/