I’m talking about Senate Bill 5141 which was signed by Gov. Inslee and took effect on June 14th.
It states that if a motorcyclist approaches an intersection, including a left turn intersection, controlled by a triggered traffic control signal using a vehicle detection device, and that signal is inoperative due to the size of the motorcycle, the motorcyclist must come to a complete stop. If the signal fails to operate after one cycle, the motorcyclist may proceed through the intersection or turn left after exercising due care.
The Washington legislation provided a legal way for motorcyclists to get through a red light and according to the American Motorcyclist Association, 14 other states have passed similar legislation.
In Oregon, motorcycle detection issues remain a problem at traffic lights in both rural and urban areas. If you’re like me you’ve experienced the frustration and/or jockeyed around so that the auto behind can trigger the light. And when motorcyclists encounter devices that fail to notice their presence, most riders will proceed through the red light after taking “due caution.”
I’m wondering when the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Governor’s Advisory Committee on Motorcycle Safety will take up the issue?
Many cagers and law makers believe that motorcyclists are at fault in triggering traffic lights so, in the spirit of reporting both sides… the Oregon Motorcycle Manual and the TEAM Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program offer advice on how to position a motorcycle correctly at traffic stops so signaling devices will hopefully register it.
Photo courtesy of the internet.
All Rights Reserved © Northwest Harley Blog
Northwest Harley Blog 