Portland trying out blue bike detection indicator light on traffic signals

[roadfro]

the Portland Bureau of Transportation has indeed installed a freaky, brilliant blue LED that appears to be the Eye of Sauron's little brother.
...
It comes in peace with a mission to keep bicyclists from getting impatient and running red lights.
...
Enter the little blue light mounted next to the red light. It's attached to the wire coming from the induction loop. When the LED shines, bicyclists know they're in the sweet spot for detection and a green is on the way.

Full article from The Oregonian 4/24/14.


Seems like an interesting concept. If they can keep up pavement markings designed to indicate the sweet spot, then this can serve as a double check that a bike has been detected.

[Revive 755]

^ I'm not see a request to experiment with this with FHWA; I wonder how well Portland is gathering data on any reduction in bicyclists going through red lights?

[jakeroot]

Seems like a pretty good idea. Cyclists jumping red lights has quickly found its way to the top of my "most annoying road observations" list. Literally anything to make them stay put has got my vote.

[PHLBOS]

To quote an old Jimi Hendrix song (from the The Wind Cries Mary):

...The traffic lights, they turn blue tomorrow.

[formulanone]

To quote an old Jimi Hendrix song (from the The Wind Cries Mary):

...The traffic lights, they turn blue tomorrow.

No, this will be the last.