I rode the IRO to work today for the first time. It was great. The frame is taller than my langster and provides a good position but the overall seat height is much more than the langster which makes waiting at a light with one foot down a little bit uncomfortable. The Major Taylor Bars have got to go however. The one uncomfortable hand position on the tops is annoying. I will keep them for future stuff but they are coming off the commuter this afternoon.

I experimented with a new technique for activating the sensor traffic lights on my commute this morning. I read a-while back that if you ride over the exposed wire in the pavement in as parallel a direction as possible the sensor could pick you up.

I tried it and it seemed to work?

Here is some more info.

Update: I just talked to the head traffic engineer dude at the City Of Fresno about the traffic sensors in my area and he said that they are now installing special bike sensor loops whenever new signals are installed. He said that my busy corner has one so I will have to look for it. Sweet.

Update 2.0:
CALIFORNIA CODES
VEHICLE CODE
SECTION 21800 (d) (1) The driver of any vehicle approaching an intersection which has official traffic control signals that are inoperative shall stop at the intersection, and may proceed with caution when it is safe to do so.

So…. that means, when you approach a light and the signal goes through one cycle without being activated by your presence you may proceed with caution as if the signal was out. Thats what it sounds like to me. What do you think Michael/Cop dude?

Update 3.0 4-15-08
I just got a call from a traffic engineer telling me that he turned up the sensitivity of the traffic loops at “Herndon and maple” and “alluvial and maple” to maximum. Maybe they will work now. They seemed interested to hear from someone like me who rides my bike through there. Pretty cool