Amusing tyre failure

On 15 Aug 2005 21:12:47 GMT,

David Nutter said:

to work, complete with temporary traffic lights sporting those annoying
cable guard things that stretch across the road. Joy...

While annoying, I can cope with those cable guard things. But why is it
that >90% of these lights won't change for a bike (a significant
proportion are temperamental even with a car). They all seem to use IR
sensors which (usually) work for fixed traffic lights rather than
induction loops. But why don't they also have a guaranteed timeout so
that they will always change within a couple of minutes? At least at
traffic lights you can usually see if it is safe to proceed. But at
roadworks you often can't see.

(Saw one a couple of weeks ago that was displaying both red and green -
I have never seen one in an impossible state before - although I was a
passenger in a car at the time, not on a bike)

Tim.

--
God said, "div D = rho, div B = 0, curl E = - @B/@t, curl H = J + @D/@t,"
and there was light.

http://tjw.hn.org/ http://www.locofungus.btinternet.co.uk/

Tim Woodall said:

On 15 Aug 2005 21:12:47 GMT,

David Nutter said:

to work, complete with temporary traffic lights sporting those annoying
cable guard things that stretch across the road. Joy...

While annoying, I can cope with those cable guard things. But why is it
that >90% of these lights won't change for a bike (a significant
proportion are temperamental even with a car). They all seem to use IR
sensors which (usually) work for fixed traffic lights rather than
induction loops. But why don't they also have a guaranteed timeout so
that they will always change within a couple of minutes? At least at
traffic lights you can usually see if it is safe to proceed. But at
roadworks you often can't see.

(Saw one a couple of weeks ago that was displaying both red and green -
I have never seen one in an impossible state before - although I was a
passenger in a car at the time, not on a bike)

Tim.

From what I remember being told once, temporary traffic lights are only
advisory, so you can take a chance, though if you cause an accident,
then you are for it.

I admit, they can be annoying at times, especially if the sensor is not
pointing correctly. They normally only trigger for objects approaching
at more than 5mph, so ride fast, brake late when approaching them.

--
There will never be true sexual equality until women accept that the
default position of a toilet seat is UP

Pete Whelan said:

From what I remember being told once, temporary traffic lights are only
advisory, so you can take a chance, though if you cause an accident,
then you are for it.

Only if a Traffic Regulation Order has not been obtained for them. If
it has then they are as legitimate as fixed lights. Of course you never
know this till your defence weasel has to chase it up.

Quoted message said:

I admit, they can be annoying at times, especially if the sensor is not
pointing correctly. They normally only trigger for objects approaching
at more than 5mph, so ride fast, brake late when approaching them.

Hate them myself becasue they do not always sense bikes..

...d

Tim Woodall said:

On 15 Aug 2005 21:12:47 GMT,

David Nutter said:

to work, complete with temporary traffic lights sporting those annoying
cable guard things that stretch across the road. Joy...

While annoying, I can cope with those cable guard things. But why is it
that >90% of these lights won't change for a bike (a significant
proportion are temperamental even with a car). They all seem to use IR
sensors which (usually) work for fixed traffic lights rather than
induction loops. But why don't they also have a guaranteed timeout so
that they will always change within a couple of minutes? At least at
traffic lights you can usually see if it is safe to proceed. But at
roadworks you often can't see.

I think these ones are operated by a timer. I couldn't see any obvious
sensors, though they may be there somewhere. Considering the amount of
traffic that uses that road they would presumably be permanently activated
in both directions in any case 🙂

The tailback this evening was a sight to behold. Especially as I sailed past
the lot of 'em.

Regards,

-david

David Nutter said:

On 2005-08-15, Tim Woodall <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

While annoying, I can cope with those cable guard things. But why is it
that >90% of these lights won't change for a bike (a significant
proportion are temperamental even with a car). They all seem to use IR

I think these ones are operated by a timer. I couldn't see any obvious
sensors, though they may be there somewhere. Considering the amount of
traffic that uses that road they would presumably be permanently activated
in both directions in any case 🙂

Personally, whenever I'm in charge of them, I have them set them up on
timer only. The sensors are indeed temperamental at best, and a
purely timed setup does at least let everyone through eventually. The
disadvantage is that in a not very busy road it might delay someone
slightly longer than if the sensors worked.

regards, Ian SMith
--
|\ /| no .sig
|o o|
|/ \|

On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 05:07:39 +0000 (UTC),

Pete Whelan said:

Tim Woodall said:

On 15 Aug 2005 21:12:47 GMT,

David Nutter said:

to work, complete with temporary traffic lights sporting those annoying
cable guard things that stretch across the road. Joy...

While annoying, I can cope with those cable guard things. But why is it
that >90% of these lights won't change for a bike (a significant
proportion are temperamental even with a car). They all seem to use IR
sensors which (usually) work for fixed traffic lights rather than
induction loops. But why don't they also have a guaranteed timeout so
that they will always change within a couple of minutes? At least at
traffic lights you can usually see if it is safe to proceed. But at
roadworks you often can't see.

(Saw one a couple of weeks ago that was displaying both red and green -
I have never seen one in an impossible state before - although I was a
passenger in a car at the time, not on a bike)

Tim.

From what I remember being told once, temporary traffic lights are only
advisory, so you can take a chance, though if you cause an accident,
then you are for it.

This is very old law when the traffic lights were just red and green
with no amber. Now you have to obey them.

88: You MUST obey all traffic light signals (see Light signals
controlling traffic section) and traffic signs giving orders, including
temporary signals & signs (see Traffic signs and Road works signs
sections) . Make sure you know, understand and act on all other traffic
and information signs and road markings (see sections on Warning signs,
Direction signs, Information signs,Road works signs and Road markings).
Laws RTA 1988 sect.36, TSRGD regs 10,15, 16, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 36, 38
& 40

Note the "including temporary signals"

Quoted message said:

I admit, they can be annoying at times, especially if the sensor is not
pointing correctly. They normally only trigger for objects approaching
at more than 5mph, so ride fast, brake late when approaching them.

Ah. Didn't realise that about the speed. I'm usually slowing right down
in the hopes they might change before I need to unclip. Suppose I need
to learn how to trackstand and then how to panic stop into a trackstand
:-)

Tim.

--
God said, "div D = rho, div B = 0, curl E = - @B/@t, curl H = J + @D/@t,"
and there was light.

http://tjw.hn.org/ http://www.locofungus.btinternet.co.uk/

On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 19:03:43 +0000 (UTC) someone who may be Tim
Woodall <[email hidden]> wrote this:-

Quoted message said:

88: You MUST obey all traffic light signals (see Light signals
controlling traffic section) and traffic signs giving orders, including
temporary signals & signs (see Traffic signs and Road works signs
sections) . Make sure you know, understand and act on all other traffic
and information signs and road markings (see sections on Warning signs,
Direction signs, Information signs,Road works signs and Road markings).
Laws RTA 1988 sect.36, TSRGD regs 10,15, 16, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 36, 38
& 40

Though rule 152 of the Highway Code says, in part, "If the traffic
lights are not working, proceed with caution."

I'm quite sure the legal bods and other members of the car lobby
would be very upset if a cyclist pointed out that if traffic lights
do not detect their vehicle then they are not working.

--
David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E
I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government
prevents me by using the RIP Act 2000.

"David Hansen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 19:03:43 +0000 (UTC) someone who may be Tim
Woodall <[email hidden]> wrote this:-

Quoted message said:

88: You MUST obey all traffic light signals (see Light signals
controlling traffic section) and traffic signs giving orders, including
temporary signals & signs (see Traffic signs and Road works signs
sections) . Make sure you know, understand and act on all other traffic
and information signs and road markings (see sections on Warning signs,
Direction signs, Information signs,Road works signs and Road markings).
Laws RTA 1988 sect.36, TSRGD regs 10,15, 16, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 36, 38
& 40

Though rule 152 of the Highway Code says, in part, "If the traffic
lights are not working, proceed with caution."

I'm quite sure the legal bods and other members of the car lobby
would be very upset if a cyclist pointed out that if traffic lights
do not detect their vehicle then they are not working.

Not at all. It also means that "if traffic lights
do not detect *their*vehicle then they are not working." as well.

:o)

David Hansen said:

"If the traffic
lights are not working, proceed with caution."

Which is also the case even when they are working.
Green only means go if the way is clear and it is safe to do so.

John B