Cyclists and Magnetic Loop Detectors

An editorial about cyclists and streetlights in the Roanoke Times today caught my eye. Even better was one of the responses on the associated bulletin board. I've included that here for your reference.

Allen Muchnick : http://www.vabike.org
Responsible agencies can cost effectively enhance bicycle activation of magnetic loop vehicle detectors by 1) ensuring that the loop sensor is adjusted to detect a waiting bicycle and 2) installing a small bicycle-specific pavement marking to identify the sweet spot for placing bicycles over the wires. Common aluminum bicycle wheel rims provide ample metallic material quite close to the ground and should be adequate to activate the loop detector if the wheel is placed *directly* over the wire. Unfortunately, most bike riders do not recognize magnetic loop detectors, much less know how to activate them. Cyclists and others can report nonresponsive VDOT traffic signals at http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/travel/citizen.asp or by calling 800-367-ROAD.