BIKE: Needed signal sensor adjustments on bike routes

[Lane S. Wimberley]

In trying out a new route down to my new location today, I discovered
the following signalized intersections that are part of established
bike routes officially recognized by the city, yet having sensors that
are not sufficiently sensitive to be triggered by a bike.  It's also
the case that there's no bike stencil on the pavement to indicate
where to place wheels to trigger the signal at these intersections.

This is particularly frustrating since, in the morning, the bike route
through these intersections tends to be perpendicular to main car
commuting routes, so the lights tend to just stay green for that
direction, and it can be a long time waiting for a car to come along
to trigger the signal (presumably by the nature of the primacy of the
car commuting route).  Also, there are many occassions where I need to
be in the left lane, and so triggering the signal using the pedestrian
"push to cross" button at the corner isn't a realistic option.

This seems pretty bad to me, and not just because it's very
inconvenient.  We have bike routes to encourage people to bike instead
of drive.  But, then they are either frustrated by finding themselves
second rate citizens, or feel encouraged to break laws by running
lights, etc.  The latter is particularly dangerous during rush hours,
but I see it happening.

The intersections I discovered this morning are

  o 40th & Lamar, in front of Central Market

  o West & W. 38th, just south of Central Market

  o Mary & S. Congress, at Fulmore Jr. H.S.

It would be marvelous if the City could get these sensors adjusted to
sense the presence of a bike.

-Lane

PS Otherwise, I'm really digging the new commute!  ...well, except for
the nails and glass around I-35 and Ben White.

_______________________________________________________________________
Lane Wimberley             8303 N. MoPac, Suite A-300  Austin, TX 78759
Wayport, Inc.                512.519.6195 (voice)    512.519.6200 (fax)