A new bill proposed in the Michigan Legislature recently would allow riders of two- and three-wheeled vehicles, like motorcycles, trikes, bicycles, and mopeds to run red lights in certain circumstances. 

 

Many of the two- and three-wheeled vehicles considered in the bill are not heavy enough to trigger the sensors that cause traffic lights to change. This is frustrating for many riders, because it means they have to wait an inordinate amount of time for the light to change – if it ever does. 

 

The bill would allow these riders to move through the red light, provided they wait 60 seconds to see whether or not their vehicle will trigger the light sensor, and as long as traffic has cleared and it is safe for them to move ahead.  

 

While riders might like the bill, it has been met with some opposition. In an article in the Detroit Free Press, Sgt. Dwayne Gill said that the bill “sets up a very dangerous situation and a dangerous precedent.” Gill is the Michigan State Police's legislative liaison. His concern is that motor vehicle drivers may see motorcycle, bicycle, or moped riders move through an intersection, and decide they don't want to wait for the light either.  

 

States that already have adapted this new law are Illinois, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Nebraska and Nevada. 

 

 

 

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