The latest state to propose a red light bill, Motorcycle Traffic Light Bill Proposed

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GEORGIA:


http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/motorcycle-traffic-light-bill-proposed-030111

Motorcycle Traffic Light Bill Proposed

Wednesday, 02 Mar 2011,
George Franco By: GEORGE FRANCO/myfoxatlanta

ATLANTA - A new proposal could allow motorcyclists to treat a traffic light, like a stop sign. The idea stems from that fact that most bikes don't have enough metal on them to trip traffic sensors.
Many motorcyclists have complained about getting stuck behind the lights at intersections and one Georgia lawmaker, a motorcycle rider herself, has proposed legislation in response.
It is a common complaint from most motorcycle riders of getting stuck behind a traffic signal that just won't change because there isn't enough metal on the bike.
"On a modern motorcycle, they're mostly aluminum and plastic. There is very little steel. Aluminum is non-ferrous, plastic is obviously non-ferrous. No steel, won't trigger the magnetic loops in the traffic lights," said Paul Gregory, owner of Atlanta Motorcycles and Repair.
Gregory said he hears the complaints about the traffic lights all the time.
"The lights just won't change. Its not uncommon to jump off the bike and run over and push the pedestrian button or just run the light, which nobody wants to do," said Gregory.
"When you get an inoperable signal, you can sit there all night if you want to," said Representative Ann Purcell of Savannah.
Rep. Purcell said her legislation, HB 161, would allow motorcycle riders to treat inoperable signals and the red lights at the intersections as a stop sign.
"We will be able to continue forward as long as we've stopped for 60 seconds, placing our feet on the ground to give us stability with our bikes, giving the driver of that bike the time to look around and say hey, I can proceed with caution," said Rep. Purcell.
Rep. Purcell said many lawmakers and bike groups support her bill.
Others have reservations.
"Its one, dangerous and two they have to abide by the same laws that we do if they're going to be driving on the road," said motorist Ashlyn Beavor.
Rep. Purcell said the motorcyclist would be responsible for any accidents as a result of treating a red light as a stop sign.
"If you do that, proceeding with caution and for some reason an automobile hits you then you, the motorcycle driver, is at fault," said Rep. Purcell.