First I have finally been straightened out on the "new 45 second wait" law. Thanks George Perkins for providing the following:
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Effective 9/1/06 (The Governor signed it on 5/26/06)
2005 Senate Bill 528
SECTION 16. 346.37 (1) (c) 4. of the statutes is created to read:
346.37 (1) (c) 4. Notwithstanding subd. 1., a motor-cycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle facing a red signal at an intersection may, after stopping as required under subd. 1. for not less than 45 seconds, proceed cautiously through the intersection
before the signal turns green if no other vehicles are present at the
intersection to actuate the signal and the operator of the
motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle reasonably believes the signal is vehicle actuated. The operator of a motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle proceeding through a red signal under this subdivision shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicular
traffic, pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device proceeding through a green signal at the intersection or lawfully within a crosswalk or using the intersection. This subdivision does not affect any authorization for a bicyclist under subd. 2.
To summarize. You can go though a red light if:
1. You've stopped at the red light for at least 45 seconds
2. No other vehicles are present to actuate the signal
3. You believe that the signal is vehicle-actuated
4. You yield the right-of-way to vehicular traffic proceding thru a green signal or to a pedestrian/bicyclist lawfully within a crosswalk or using the intersection.
The entire SB 528 Bill (2005 Wisconsin Act 466) is available in PDF form:
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/acts/05Act466.pdf
Also here is a note from Dan Dettmann, head of Traffic Signal Operations for the City of MadIson. I have been biking all over the U.S. and I cannot say enough about how Dan has ensured that most if not all of the actuated signals in Madison are bicycle
sensitive. I can't say the same for even WisDOT signals, other states and other cities in Wisconsin and across the nation. We've been spoiled in Madison.
"As for bike detection, we continue to design and install loop detectors based on capability to detect small vehicles, like bicycles, wherever such detection is required to call the green phase. During resurfacing
projects, we try to install the detection in the asphalt base course, before the top 1+" of surface is laid. Such an installation is much more durable than sawcutting the pavement, and resealing after a wire is laid in the slot. For new construction and
reconstruction, the loops may be
placed in the stone base course before the asphalt surface is applied.
"Thus, for many of the streets resurfaced, built, or reconstructed within the last 15-20 years, it is not possible to see the outline of where the detection zone is. The most sensitive areas of the loop are generally
located where bikers would be riding, such as two feet or so from the edge of the gutter, or two to three feet from a lane line. Some of the more difficult locations are where we have on-street parking. The travel path of the biker can vary greatly depending
on the amount and location of parked vehicles."
Thanks, Dan!
So for those problem locations you might want to let Art Ross know. It might be as simple as marking the sensitive location of the loop.
Mike Rewey
Michael W. Rewey
5522 Comanche Way
Madison, WI 543704-1026
cell: 608.698.6673
home: 608.249.6673
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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