Do you know what trips the traffic lights?

[BBGuest]

On the cross streets of 35th as well as Delridge south of Holden? It seems that if I am the only car, I have to have the nose of the car over the crosswalk in order to turn the light to green. If I am in the wrong place, I could be there forever! With a motorcycle, (too many years ago) I had to place the engine of the bike over a particular spot but forget where that was…

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[flowerpetal]

It is the space behind the crosswalk and it is quite large; so your vehicle can be nosed up to the crosswalk or five feet back. It will turn eventually. There are timers on the side streets leading up to 35th (for example) so it is not going to change instantly for you. Also, the sensors are sensitive enough to be triggered by a bicycle waiting for a light change.

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[christopherboffoli]

BBGuest: As I understand it, the embedded loop sensor is magnetic and detects the metal in a car or motorcycle. (and apparently a bicycle)

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[hooper1961]

yes signals are typically activated by metal detection loops. the City also operates many archaic signals that are simply timed regardless of traffic demand. they also operate numerous signals at great expense that no longer are warranted and should be removed

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[flowerpetal]

Many, if not all of the traffic signals along 35th have plans for being replaced with newer more efficient signs, including the walk/don’t walk lights that count down to a light change. I might be corrected, but I believe that all of the lights that the OP references are “on demand” when a vehicle approaches.

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[CMP]

I know Bellevue has sensors but the only place in West Seattle I can figure they truly do exist is at 35th and Thistle b/c the turn light actually changes at 5:45 in the morning when no one else is around. Never used to do that and it thrilled me to no end.

I’ve also complained to SDOT about the timed lights along 1st Ave South north of Spokane St and was given lame excuses about improving traffic flow to the main arterial. Screw those people waiting to CROSS the arterial and have to wait one minute and 20 seconds for the light to change. I once waited over two minutes at 4th Ave S to get on to West Marginal and not a single car came. Thanks for wasting my time SDOT!

I think Hooper should work for SDOT, this city might actually start to run a little faster (at least in terms of traffic)!

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