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News

Should riders be allowed on road shoulders?

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Highway road shoulders look inviting for motorcyclists when the traffic is heavy, but is it legal and are they a safety trap for riders?

Some say it is actually safer than filtering between lanes of traffic as there are fewer instances of drivers suddenly pulling on to the road shudders compared with drivers swapping lanes.

However, we have heard several reports of riders (including us) copping flat tyres from the detritus on the road shoulder such as nails from illegally unsecured tradies’ utes. Queensland Motorcycle Breakdown Service tyre punctures puncture-proof tyres flirting shoulders

Queensland is the only state in Australia that allows riders to use the road shoulder, but only in certain conditions:

  • the speed limit is 90km/h or more;
  • your speed is 30km/h or less;
  • you give way to bicycle riders or other motorcycle riders already using the shoulder;
  • you are not riding on any unsealed parts of the road;
  • there are no roadworks;
  • you are not in a tunnel; and
  • it is safe to do so.

It used to be illegal if the variable electronic speed signal dropped below 90km/h but that has now been amended, thanks to representations by the Motorcycle Riders Association of Queensland.

Safe to do soEdge filtering is allowed under Queendsland lane filtering rules shoulders

The final conditions “when safe to do so” seems to put the onus on the rider to judge the prevailing conditions.

However, it also allows police leeway to pass judgement on your riding and issue a fine of $341 and three demerit points.

Some riders in other states have called for lane filtering rules to include road shoulders.

However, we have not found a politician or road department interested in amending the rules. 

American shoulders

In the USA, California is the only state that allows lane filtering or lane splitting, but it is not clear if riders can use the road shoulder.

Lane filtering lane splitting America shoulders
Lane filtering or lane splitting in California

Around San Francisco, they are considering allowing buses and car poolers to use the shoulder when traffic is heavy, so it may not be a safe place for riders.

Hawaii this year allows riders to use the road shoulder so long as they did not travel faster than 10mph and traffic was stopped. They must leave the shoulder when traffic begins moving again.

Although the law went into effect from January 1 2019, no road shoulder has yet been officially designated for use by motorcyclists.

Do you believe riders are safer on road shoulders than between lanes? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Honda tipped to lead sales rush

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Honda has led the January sales rush for the past three years and there is good reason to believe they will get the sales rush going again.

January is a big motorcycle sales month as manufacturers/importers offer discounts to get rid of stock they didn’t sell at Christmas time.

They are also keen to clear last-year  modes to make way for this year’s models.

Sales rush

Sales figures for 2018 are due out in the next few days and Honda is tipped to once again be number one.

But that won’t stop them offering discounts to keep stock moving. That’s probably why they’re number one!

Other manufacturers are bound to quickly follow suit.

It’s great news if you want to buy a new bike, but not so great if you just bought one and then find you could have saved hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars by waiting for January.

Other big sales months in the year seem to be June with end-of-financial-year sales and July when manufacturers and distributors want to get the new financial year off to a good start.

Discounts and bonuses

Most manufacturers don’t offer direct discounts as it looks like they are devaluing their products.

Instead, they may offer free on-road costs which can save you up to $1500 depending on the bike.

Other offers can include free first service, accessories or merchandise.

Honda offers what they call “Honda Dollars” which means you can choose to spend that money on Honda products in the store where you buy the bike or take it as a cash back offer on the price of the bike.

Let’s make a deal

Since motorcycle sales are expected to be down across the board given the poor performance at the three-quarter mark last year, most dealers will be keen to make deals.

So even if your preferred motorbike isn’t offered at a discount or with some sort of bonus, you should be able to score a special deal.

Just make sure you stand your ground and don’t be suckered into deals that involve finance or insurance.tax sale motorcycles novated lease buying selling mum sales rush

Here are our tips on getting a good deal on a motorcycle. 

Click here if you are buying your first motorcycle. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

What motorcycle models face the axe?

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Tough European emissions laws threatened to axe several much-loved models last year, but it seems many have had a stay of execution.

The Euro 4 rules introduced in 2016 were almost 50% tougher to pass.

For example, Euro 3 required a motorcycle to pass an emissions test when new, or after 1000km. Under Euro 4 they have to still be compliant after 20,000km or 35,000km depending on the size of the machine. 

Because the requirement was so tough, the European Commission (EC) allowed a couple of years for compliance.

That ended on December 31 2018 and many models are now no longer able to be sold in Europe and several other countries that follow the same stringent rules, such as Japan.

The axe has now fallen on most supersport models, many air-cooled bikes, single-cylinder adventurers and most Japanese cruisers.

Axe reprieve

However, manufacturers are still making some of the models that looked like failing the tougher tests, strictly for markets where the Euro 4 rules do not yet apply. They include Australia, the USA and South Africa.

Suzuki Hayabusa escapes axe
Suzuki Hayabusa gets a stay of execution

That is a big enough market to make it economically viable to continue production of bikes that continue to sell well, such as the Suzuki Hayabusa.

Suzuki Australia and the USA made special mention to customers that the model would continue in their markets.

The hyperbike will eventually be replaced by an updated Hayabusa, but in the meantime, the factory will continue to make the bike for non-Euro 4 markets.

When it does return to worldwide production, the Hayabusa may not even be Euro 4 compliant.

It may be Euro 5 compliant as that standard is coming in 2020 for new models and 2021 for existing models. 

But once again there may be a reprieve from the axe. That’s not because it’s too tough, but simply because the EC has not yet agreed on the exact standards and testing methods.

Emissions reducedLoud Pipes exhausts mufflers blitz axe

Since 1999, the motorcycle industry has gone from Euro 0 to Euro 4 and reduced emissions by 91%.

Despite those reductions, most motorcycles are now more powerful and economical than they were at the end of the last millennium.

And even though sceptics said the technology would make motorcycles more expensive, they are no more expensive in real terms.

Euro 5 will lead to new motorcycles that will have a range of solutions to the emissions problem.

That will include, but won’t be limited to, leaner burn, liquid cooling, forced induction, hybrid technology and, of course, electric power.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Motorbikes you most want to ride in 2019

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The Indian FTR 1200 is the motorcycle that most excited our readers in 2018 and tops our poll of the 2019 models you and we would most like to ride this year.

Throughout the year we have unveiled the many new models that are expected to be released in 2019.

There is a host of new models from just about every manufacturer.

But the model that continually rated the highest in our readership figures was the Indian FTR 1200.

It arrives here this year in several models starting at under $20,000.

Some of the reader interest in the bike was negative after the production model revealed a less aggressive pipe than the prototype.

Indian Motorcycle Scout FTR1200 - learner bike coming? Travis Pastrana FTR750 Evel Knievel stunts recreated on Indian FTR1200 usb
Scout FTR 1200 Custom prototype

Even before its release, Indian Motorcycle has announced a host of accessories to customise the bike for touring, flat tracking and rallying. 

Indian FTR 1200 adds accessories 2019
FTR 1200 with all the Tracker bling

Electric shock

Electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire leads parade smart desert charging 2019
LiveWire unveiled in Milwaukee

The next bike to arouse reader interest was a bit of a shock … the Harley-Davidson electric LiveWire.

While the bike will be unveiled next year and we hope to ride it again in September in the USA, it will not be available in Australia until 2020.

If our ride on the initial model in 2014 is any gauge, riders will be in for a real treat on a motorcycle with instant torque and fast acceleration.

Royal twins and more

Royal Enfield 650 twins factory axe gap 2019
Royal Enfield 650 twins

At the other end of the scale is the Royal Enfield 650cc twins. 

The Interceptor INT naked and Continental GT cafe racer arrive in February starting at $8440.

A motorcycle that has sparked interest for the past couple of years is the long-awaited Yamaha Tenere 700. 

Yamaha Ténéré 700 2019
Yamaha Ténéré 700

It arrives late this year in Australia after being unveiled as the T7 Prototype a couple of years ago.

There is also a lot of interest for the Moto Guzzi V85 TT which arrives mid-year. 

It looks like having good off-road ability, but it’s just beautiful to get dirty!

Moto Guzzi V85 TT arrives mid-2019 season 2019
V85 TT

One bike which sparked a lot of interest — both positive and negative — is the return of the venerable Suzuki Katana brand.

Some love the new shape, while diehard fans of the old model say it is an abomination.

2019 Suzuki Katana deposits
Suzuki Katana

There is certainly a lot of interest already and Suzuki Australia says they are already taking $1000 deposits for the bike even though it doesn’t arrive until the third quarter this year and price is not yet known. 

Triumph always rates high among our readers, but the model that piqued most interest was the 1200 Scrambler.

We have known it is coming ever since they unveiled the new liquid-cooled models in 2015. 

Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE Google and GoPro 2019
Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

Tell us which 2019 model are you most looking forward to riding?

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Will ABS regulations reduce motorcycle toll?

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Regulations requiring anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on new motorcycle models this year may not have much of an initial impact on the road toll, experts say.

From November 2019, all new motorcycle models sold in Australia over 125cc must have ABS, while bikes with lower engine capacities must have either combined brakes systems (CBS) or ABS.

But don’t expect a sudden drop in crash deaths, despite the Federal Government declaring it can reduce motorcycle-related road trauma by more than 30%.

That’s mainly due to the fact that most new motorcycles sold in Australia are already fitted with ABS because Europe has had ABS laws since 2016 and Japan introduced them in October this year.

There has been no subsequent decrease in the motorcycle road toll in Europe in the past two years, so we are not sure why our government would assume a magic drop by almost a third in Australia.

Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce disputes the affect of ABS on the road toll.

Steve Pearce siege highway combined braking ombudsman scrooge poor road repair reduce killer holiday regulations
Steve Pearce

“The statistic of 30% is a vehicle-based figure. How many motorcycle crashes involve front-end loss of braking?” he asks.

Critics of ABS say it gives riders a false sense of security that the technology will save them.

In 2016, university safety researcher Ross Blackman criticised a VicRoads brochure that stated: “A motorcycle with ABS enhances your riding skills and techniques by preventing the wheels from locking, skidding and sliding under.” 

Quite simply, no technology makes you a better rider. It only helps compensate for poor skills or emergencies, he said.

The VicRoads brochure also suggested riders retro-fit ABS, but there is no known aftermarket product.

VicRoads apologised for the misleading information and error when we pointed them out.

ABS is simply no substitute for good rider skills and the only way to get them is through training and practice.

ABS regulations

abs mandatory regulations
ABS being demonstrated

The new Australian ABS regulations only affect new models made from November 2019. 

All other existing models won’t need to be upgraded to ABS until November 2021.

There are exemptions for enduro, trials bikes and trail bikes under 250cc.

If the bike has switchable ABS, the default setting when the bike is turned off and turned back on again will be for ABS to be active. We do not know of a motorcycle that allows ABS to switched off on the fly.

Click here for the full regulations. 

CBS is described as any braking system where one control pedal or lever activates some portion of the brakes on front and back wheels.

ABS regs worldwide

ABS brakes regulations
India makes ABS mandatory

While ABS is becoming mandatory around the world, the USA has no such requirement.

Europe: Mandatory ABS for all new models above 125cc from January 2016 and for all existing models above 125cc from January 2017. 50cc can have ABS or CBS.

Japan: ABS on new models above 125cc from October 2018 and all existing models above 125cc from October 2021. 50cc must have ABS or CBS.

India: ABS >125cc on new models from April 2018 and all models >125cc from April 2019. Under 125cc ABS or CBS.

China: New models >250cc from July 2019 and existing from July 2020 must have ABS on front and rear wheels. Under 250 ABS or CBS.

Brazil: ABS for 300cc and above ramping up from 2016-19. Below 300cc ABS or CBS, off-road excluded.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

International report cites bike crash reasons

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The motorcycle road toll can be reduced by better speed and alcohol/drug use enforcement, safer motorbikes, mandatory helmet laws and improved roads, according to an international report.

These are key points in the latest World Health Organization Global status report on road safety 2018 report released this month. The report is only released every two or three years.

Toll rate flat

The international report also points out that the motoring fatality and injury rate has remained fairly steady as a proportion of population over the past few years.

In Australia, motorcycle crash fatalities have remained flat since 2011 despite an almost doubling of motorcycle registrations in that time. That actually means a decreasing rate of motorcycle fatalities.

international report cites motorcycle crash reasons
Australian crash stats. The flat dotted line is the trend over that time.

Of course, every death is lamentable, but the selective quoting of motorcycle crash statistics, especially during the Christmas/New Year holiday season, can be misleading.

It also serves to demonise riders as having a death wish and therefore not worthy of consideration by other road users.

International report

The WHO report says progress in reducing road fatalities and injuries has mainly been made in high-income countries.

In these countries, there is a high level of enforcement of speeding and drink driving, ABS on motorcycles (mandatory in Australia for bikes over 125cc from November 219), mandatory helmet (99% compliance in Australia) and improved roads, it says.

No doubt politicians and police will just seize on the first issue to raise speeding fines and enforcement.

But they would be ignoring the fact that this is an international report representing 175 countries. By comparison, the low-income countries included in the report (such as Afghanistan) have little to no enforcement of speed or drug/alcohol-influenced riders, no or lax helmet rules and poor roads.

The only category where Australia compares is in the standard of our roads.

Bad Roads Rally roadworks potholes Victoria report international
Crumbling Victorian roads

WHO says 67% of motorcycle travel in the world is on substandard roads. That surely must include Australia!

Over the past few years we have reported numerous cases where riders have crashed in unacceptable road conditions thanks to poor design, inferior surfacing and a lack of maintenance.

The WHO report says conditions that make a road unacceptable for motorcycle use include a poor road surface and trees too close to the road. In some states, wire rope “safety” barriers are also too close to the road!

(It also mentions separate motorcycle lanes which some Asian nations with much higher proportions of motorcycles have implemented or are considering. We doubt motorcycles will ever have separate lanes in high-income nations.)

WHO says that by 2030, all new roads should “achieve technical standards for all road users that take into account road safety” and “more than 75% of travel on existing roads is on roads that meet technical standards for all road users”.

That’s a long time to wait for appropriate roads that should have been paid for by our hard-earned taxes.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Motorcycle safety recalls rise in 2018

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There were 37 motorcycle safety recalls in 2018, up nine from the previous year, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

It is the second highest number of recalls in the past 10 years: 28 in 2017, 39 in 2016, 30 in 2015, 28 in 2014, 20 in 2013, 24 in 2012, 16 in 2011, 14 in 2010 and 23 in 2009.

The increase in safety recalls seems to mainly affect new models and could be the result of companies bringing these models to the market too soon in an effort to attract new buyers.

Brembo safety recalls

Brembo PR16 master cylinder safety recalls fault brembo recall cheap piaggio
Faulty Brembo PR16 master cylinder

The biggest safety recalls of the year were over a single issue with Brembo PR16 front brake master cylinders.

They were fitted on motorcycles from a range of manufacturers such as Aprilia, Ducati, Husqvarna, KTM MV Agusta, TM Racing, Moto Morini and Horex, but did not affect aftermarket units.

The Italian brake manufacturer was again stopped in its tracks with a second major product safety recall for its replacement aftermarket rear brake caliper kits.

Ducati leads with six

Ducati had the most recalls of any manufacturer with six, four of which were for the Panigale V4 in its first year of production.

Almost all models were affected by recalls such as leaks, melting hoses and even the V4 bursting into flames.

Ducati Panigale V4 catches fire Canada safety recall safety recalls
V4 catches fire in Canada

Indian 3

Scout models for brake issues; some Thunderstroke-powered models for  faulty right switchblocks; and Roadmaster for a lack of waterproofing in the rear top box. 

Kawasaki 3

Z900RS for rear brake sensor issue; faulty centre stand on the H2 SX; and transmission failures on the Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR.

Suzuki 3

DL650, GSX-S750 and GSX-R1000A for fuel leaks; GSX-R125 and GSX-S125 for engine mounting bolts breaking; and GSX-R1000A/R/RZ for chain breakages.

Yamaha 3

SR400 for an oil leak, MT-07 and XSR700 had loose chain protector bolts and MT-03 had noisy gears.

KTM 3

Sticking throttle on SX50 mini dirt bike (same for the Husqvarna TC50); 690 Duke R and 1290 Super Duke models for Brembo front brake issue; and 690 Duke and 690 Duke R for fuel leaks.

Triumph 3

Street Triple R/RS for switchgear electrical faults; Thruxton models for stalling issues; and most models were missing the correct stationary noise data label on the exhausts.

BMW 2

G 310 GS and R models had side stand breakages and a malfunctioning indicator light on their scooters, F series and R nineT Scrambler.

However, BMW also had a major issue with spokes collapsing but the company did not issue a recall.

Click here for more on this important issue.  

BMW R 1200 GS broken spokes Probe safety recalls
Crashed BMW R 1200 GS with collapsed spokes

Husqvarna 2

TC50 sticking throttle and FS 450 for Brembo front brake.

Moto Guzzi 2

V9 and V 7 III for brake issues (not Brembo).

Harley-Davidson 2

Fifth recall for the onging hydraulic clutch problems on their touring models and trikes and brake issues on several models if the brake fluid is not flushed at least every two years as specified in the Owner’s Manual and Service Manual.

Aprilia 1

RSV4 1000 and Tuono 1100 for Brembo brakes.

MV Agusta 1

MV Agusta F4 RR & MV Agusta F4 RC for Brembo brakes.

Safety recalls listed

Motorbike Writer publishes all recalls. This upsets some importers.

One company said we were being sensationalist and accused us of #clickbait.

We make no apologies for grabbing the attention of riders about possible safety issues with their motorcycle.

We applaud companies for issuing voluntary safety recalls and contacting known owners about the issue.

However, when bikes are privately sold or serviced at non-authorised mechanics, riders are not alerted to these recalls.

Therefore, we publish all recalls, mainly to contact these riders.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

MBW helping riders seeking justice

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The three most popular articles this year have been about riders successfully obtaining justice either in beating incorrect fines or, in once case, getting a driver fined for road rage. In all cases we are happy to say that Motorbike Writer has played a role.

Lane filter justice

The most popular article was the end result of last year’s most popular article about a driver who put his arm out the window to stop a Newcastle rider legally filtering through traffic.

We published the original article in November 2017 with this video, but police weren’t interested.

But with pressure from the rider and MBW, police eventually fined the driver in January 2018 under Rule 268 (3): Part of body outside vehicle window/door – $325 fine, 3 demerits.

Without the rider’s helmet camera video, the rider might never have won justice.

It is an important example why some state governments should amend laws to allow cameras on helmets.

Standing on footpegs

Incorrect fine Tim Byrne justice
Tim with footpeg fine

The second most popular article was about South Australian police dropping a rider’s fine for standing on the footpegs. 

Adelaide rider Tim Byrne says he was fined for standing up while riding through some roadworks in January 2018 despite the practice being legalised in South Australia in 2016 and added to the Australian Road Rules this year. 

Click here to read about the new ARRs.

Tim and Motorbike Writer contacted the police pointing out their error, yet they refused to withdraw the fine.

Motorbike Writer then set Tim up with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers who took on the case a pro bono (free) basis as a “matter of principle”.

As a result, a police supervisor decided to drop the fine.

Helmet sticker

Rider challenges helmet sticker fine justice
Ted wins on helmet sticker fine

In the third most popular article, Victorian Police withdrew a fine against a rider for not having an external compliance sticker on his Australian-approved motorcycle helmet.

The fact is, you can remove your helmet sticker. Click here to read our advice to riders.

So we suggested rider Alasdair “Ted” Cameron challenge the $371 fine through Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.

Senior associate Katie Minogue said she was confident her client had a “strong enough case” and was looking forward to their day in court.

However, at the last minute, VicPol have withdrawn the fine.

Once again, this means the issue has not been dealt with in court so no legal precedent has been set.

Motorbike Writer is happy to help you seek justice by promoting your cause. Click here to send us details of your incident.

Most popular

While these were the most popular new articles in 2018, our most popular reads for the year were older advice articles.

Our perennial top read seems to be our tips on washing your motorbike.

Clean wash Ducati GT1000 justice

Second is an article about the correct tyre pressures for your bike, followed by what are the lowest seat heights with a comprehensive list of all motorcycle seat heights.

They are followed by advice on how to avoid a tank slapper, when to replace your helmet and even how and when to do the motorcycle wave!

Top 10 tips for washing your motorcycle

What are correct motorcycle tyre pressures?

What are the lowest motorcycle seat heights?

How to avoid a tank slapper or speed wobble

10 tips for doing the motorcycle wave

When to replace your motorcycle helmet

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

A year of motorbike technology

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Technology dominated motorcycle news this year with jet thrusters to prevent low-siders, sidecars with a drone launching pad, plus self-riding, self-balancing and even flying motorcycles.

While most of these are fanciful or far-off innovations, there was some advance in more useable technology.

Ducati and KTM have made giant leaps forward with Bosch developing blind spot alerts to prevents sideswipe accidents and adaptive cruise control that keeps  the bike a set distance from vehicles in front.

Big Bosch tech

Bosch tests jet thruster year
Bosch tests jet thruster

But the biggest tech story of the year for us was the Bosch jet thrusters that prevent low-siders.

The system uses pressurised gas to blast a jet of air out of the high side of the bike when sensors, gyroscopes and accelerometers detect the wheels sliding sideways.

This sudden jet of air is designed to help counteract the slide pressures and lift the bike back up.

ON the one hand, it would be great to have tech that would prevent low-sides, but just how much will this add to the weight of the bike and its expense.

And, like an airbag inflator it would be a one-time activation, so you would be up for the expense of a new activator after it’s been deployed.

Given the problems with faulty Takata airbags, we’re not so sure about this tech.

Quirky tech of the year

There have been some quirky bits of tech this year.

One of the most interesting is Suzuki beacon light that shines on the roof to make traffic aware of the rider’s presence.

They filed for a patent this year so it may be a while before that comes to market.

Furion M1 Hybrid SportBike with Wankel rotary engine year
Furion M1 Hybrid SportBike

Then there’s the Furion M1 hybrid motorcycle from France that has a Wankel rotary engine  and an electric motor. So far, its only CAD images on a computer screen.

And here’s some tech you never thought you would need that will be available soon in Australia.

The Russian Ural AIR outfit includes a DJI Spark drone and a special discrete and waterproof compartment with a launching platform!

And while a new electric motorcycle company seems to spring up every week this year, Ural also unveiled its plans for the world’s first electric outfit with batteries under the chair.

URAL electric sidecar prototype year
URAL electric sidecar prototype

Perhaps the strangest tech is the Lazareth La Moto Volante Maserati V8-powered four-wheel leaning motorcycle with jet turbines in the wheels s it can fly like a drone.

La Moto Volante is planned for release on January 31.

Maserati Quattroporte engine powers this Lazareth LM 847 quad concept flying year
Maserati Quattroporte engine powers this Lazareth LM 847 quad concept

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Call for traffic light activation buttons

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Riders whose bikes won’t trigger a change in a traffic light to green would welcome more of these activation buttons that have been installed at some intersections for cyclists.

It seems cyclists get everything they want from governments. Even their own roads!

In this case, their strong lobbying for these buttons may also help motorcyclists.

They are located on poles close to the road so riders can push them and trigger a change in the traffic lights.

These have been installed because many modern bicycles are made of carbon fibre which will not trigger traffic light sensors.

There are varying types of sensors used around the world but the most common is called an inductor loop. It consists of a wire loop placed in the asphalt leaving a telltale rectangular cutting in the road surface to detect the metal in the engine block.

Traffic light inductor loop cut lines
Traffic light inductor loop cut lines

However, some are not sensitive enough to pick up small motorcycles. Also, many modern motorcycles have a lot of alloy which reduces their ability to trigger the lights.

Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce says they have discussed the issue with Roads and Maritime Services.

“So far we have not received a reply except that they are looking into it,” he says.

“Our suggestion was actually a pressure pad at the front of the lane which would be triggered by a motorcycle.

“As the weight of a motorcycle is less than a vehicle, it would need to be a bespoke item.”

Report traffic light problems

RACQ safety and technical manager Steve Spalding says they have also raised the issue of motorcycles not triggering traffic lights with Transport and Main Roads “a couple of times”.

Steve Spalding safety officer RACQ motorcycle awareness month of May traffic light
Steve Spalding and his Bandit

“Their advice is to report the lights to the relevant road authority for attention,” he says.

“They told me they can adjust the sensitivity but if they adjust too much it can then pick up traffic passing in an adjacent lane.”

Rider advice

Steve advises riders to correctly position their motorcycle over the cut lines in the road where the loop sensors are placed.

“Don’t stop in between them,” he says.

“You can also try moving forward to allow a car to position over them if they won’t trigger.

“From a safety perspective I’d suggest a rider not stop over the cut line closest to the adjacent through-lane but position themselves over one of the other lines (there are usually three running parallel to the lane).

“This gives them a bit more of a safe space if a passing car runs too close, or drifts into, the turning lane where they are sitting waiting for a turn light.”

Turn on redRed-light traffic light

Several American states allow riders to proceed through a red light that has not triggered so long as they have stopped first.

There are also places where all motorists are allowed to turn left (or right in countries where they drive on the right) on a red signal.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com