You stop at a red light in Los Angeles, but the signal never turns green for you. Meanwhile, cars in other lanes continue moving. This can happen when a traffic signal fails to detect your bicycle. Beyond causing delays, faulty detection can leave cyclists uncertain about when they can safely cross an intersection.
Why traffic signals sometimes miss bicycles
Many intersections use inductive loop sensors, which are wires buried beneath the pavement. These sensors detect vehicles through changes in an electromagnetic field.
However, bicycles can be harder to detect because of their size, materials or position over the sensor. Poorly adjusted equipment may also contribute to the problem. Some intersections use cameras or radar, which can also fail to recognize cyclists.
What California law requires
Under the California Vehicle Code, new traffic signals that respond to vehicles must detect bicycles and motorcycles when feasible. The rule also applies when existing signals have their loop sensors replaced. Both must follow accepted traffic engineering standards.
The law does not require all older signals to be upgraded at once. However, cities and other road agencies must follow these rules when they install qualifying signals or replace their loop sensors.
How to report faulty traffic signals
Some intersections have bicycle symbols showing where you should wait for detection. If there are no markings, stopping over the lines of a visible sensor loop, rather than its center, may help trigger the light. If a signal repeatedly fails to recognize your bicycle, you can report the problem.
In Los Angeles, you can submit a traffic signal maintenance request through the city’s 311 service. Useful details include:
- The intersection’s location
- The direction you were traveling
- How the signal failed to respond
These details can help maintenance crews locate the affected signal and determine what may be causing the detection problem.
When faulty signals cause bicycle accidents
A faulty traffic signal may put your safety at risk. If one contributed to your bicycle crash, determining responsibility may depend on who created the hazard or whether the agency knew about it. Claims against public agencies also have special rules and deadlines. A bicycle accident attorney can review the evidence and explain your options for seeking compensation.
