Arlington Traffic Signals Detecting Bicycles

[DrP]

Old Dominion & Williamsburg, on Williamsburg, does NOT detect bicycles (neither does Williamsburg and Glebe, but that is not on your list. In fact, several others that I find do not detect bicycles are not on your list). The other intersections that I use which are on your list, seem to always have cars there when I am, or I have few issues in crossing otherwise.

[chris_s]

@DrP 137945 wrote:

In fact, several others that I find do not detect bicycles are not on your list).

I’m trying to get things done as part of repaving so only signals adjacent to a 2016 paving project are on the list.

None of my three least favorite signals are adjacent to 2016 paving so I feel your pain. [Incidentally they’re: Glebe / 7th St S, Arlington Blvd / Irving, Pershing / S Jackson]

I’ll add Old Dominion & Williamsburg to the potential pilot list.

[elbows]

I’m pretty sure I have experience with Columbia Pike and Court House not detecting me, but I’m not positive.

Last week I was on S Shirlington waiting to turn left on 24th Rd S., and I’m almost positive it would not detect me. The walk sign countdown going in front of me went through several cycles while I sat there like a fool, waiting for a vehicle to arrive. My neighbor rode by me through the red, and was literally halfway to Glebe by the time I turned.

[DismalScientist]

Four Mile Run Drive and Glebe and Glebe.

Washington Blvd at 13th (and 15th)

[chris_s]

@elbows 137948 wrote:

The walk sign countdown going in front of me went through several cycles while I sat there like a fool, waiting for a vehicle to arrive.

This is a fool-proof way to know that you were not detected.

[bobco85]

It’s a bit difficult to test some of these lights due to the sheer quantity of drivers, but I’m sure that some late-night riding will offer better opportunities.

@elbows 137948 wrote:

I’m pretty sure I have experience with Columbia Pike and Court House not detecting me, but I’m not positive.

Last week I was on S Shirlington waiting to turn left on 24th Rd S., and I’m almost positive it would not detect me. The walk sign countdown going in front of me went through several cycles while I sat there like a fool, waiting for a vehicle to arrive. My neighbor rode by me through the red, and was literally halfway to Glebe by the time I turned.

Remember that in Virginia, you only have to wait the shorter of 2 minutes or 2 full light cycles: http://www.virginiadot.org/programs/bk-laws.asp#Definitions

[OneEighth]

Hell, Arlington signals can’t even detect motorcycles. And reporting it to the County has been almost as useful as pissing into the wind.

[TwoWheelsDC]

@OneEighth 137958 wrote:

Hell, Arlington signals can’t even detect motorcycles. And reporting it to the County has been almost as useful as pissing into the wind.

I’ve had more than a few opportunities to take advantage of the two minute law. Although I worry about doing it during “normal” hours, as most drivers aren’t aware of the law and would probably hassle me or think I’m a squid.

[hozn]

@TwoWheelsDC 137960 wrote:

I’ve had more than a few opportunities to take advantage of the two minute law. Although I worry about doing it during “normal” hours, as most drivers aren’t aware of the law and would probably hassle me or think I’m a squid.

Isn’t it 3 minutes in VA? There are definitely signals that have longer cycles than 2 minutes (e.g. W&OD at Gallows is ~2:30, I believe).

[TwoWheelsDC]

@hozn 137961 wrote:

Isn’t it 3 minutes in VA? There are definitely signals that have longer cycles than 2 minutes (e.g. W&OD at Gallows is ~2:30, I believe).

Definitely 2 (two) minutes or 2 (two) light cycles, whichever is shorter. And yes, many lights around here have longer normal cycles than that. However, the light at Longfellow/Washington will not change if there are no cars to trigger, which happens to me not infrequently…the problem is that I’ll be stuck at the light, but there’s too much traffic on Washington to proceed safely. If I leave the house before like 7am, I have to go left on red at that intersection every time.

Virginia Code 46.2-833:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a driver of a motorcycle or moped or a bicycle rider approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic light, the driver or rider may proceed through the intersection on a steady red light only if the driver or rider (i) comes to a full and complete stop at the intersection for two complete cycles of the traffic light or for two minutes, whichever is shorter, (ii) exercises due care as provided by law, (iii) otherwise treats the traffic control device as a stop sign, (iv) determines that it is safe to proceed, and (v) yields the right of way to the driver of any vehicle approaching on such other highway from either direction.

[sjclaeys]

I’ll vote for Williamsburg and Harrison

[TwoWheelsDC]

Westmoreland and Williamsburg definitely won’t change (for riders on Westmoreland) without a car present. It’s maddening.

[scoot]

@chris_s 137946 wrote:

None of my three least favorite signals are adjacent to 2016 paving so I feel your pain. [Incidentally they’re: Glebe / 7th St S, Arlington Blvd / Irving, Pershing / S Jackson]

Too bad. These ones need to be fixed.

50 and Irving: I don’t even bother testing anymore, I just ride directly to the beg button if there aren’t any cars waiting.

Pershing and N Jackson: I’ve had mixed experience there. Pretty sure I can’t trigger it with my road bike, but I have definitely succeeded in doing so with a CaBi.

Columbia Pike and S Courthouse: I think this one is timed, not sensor actuated, except for late at night. It often stops traffic on Columbia Pike when nobody is there. But I do recall trying to cross late one night and not triggering the light.

Also:
S Shirlington and 24th St S
10th St N and N Highland St: almost always cars or peds there though

[Judd]

@scoot 137968 wrote:

Too bad. These ones need to be fixed.

50 and Irving: I don’t even bother testing anymore, I just ride directly to the beg button if there aren’t any cars waiting.

Pershing and N Jackson: I’ve had mixed experience there. Pretty sure I can’t trigger it with my road bike, but I have definitely succeeded in doing so with a CaBi.

Columbia Pike and S Courthouse: I think this one is timed, not sensor actuated, except for late at night. It often stops traffic on Columbia Pike when nobody is there. But I do recall trying to cross late one night and not triggering the light.

Also:
S Shirlington and 24th St S
10th St N and N Highland St: almost always cars or peds there though

Sensors are going in at Columbia Pike and S. Courthouse. A work crew was out doing S. Courthouse on the southside of the Pike a week or so ago. I think that’s the only one that’s been done though. Work on the repave of S. Courthouse and the Pike has been really sporadic. Half the sidewalks were striped last fall and the rest of them were just finished a few weeks ago. The new southbound bike lane on S. Courthouse hasn’t been striped yet. The northbound lane was done several months ago.

[kcb203]

@TwoWheelsDC 137967 wrote:

Westmoreland and Williamsburg definitely won’t change (for riders on Westmoreland) without a car present. It’s maddening.

Eastbound Williamsburg through Williamsburg circle doesn’t even change for cars.

[Author]

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