New green light law passed

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LAWMAKERS GIVE WASHINGTON MOTORCYCLISTS THE GREEN LIGHT!

Olympia - A new law goes into effect June 12th, 2014 that will allow motorcyclists to proceed through a red-light when the sensor detector does not recognize the presence of a motorcycle.

Senate Bill 5141 was signed into law by Washington State Governor Jay Inslee. It states "If the traffic control signal, including the left turn signal, as appropriate, fails to operate after one cycle of the traffic signal, the operator may, after exercising due care, proceed directly through the intersection or proceed to turn left, as appropriate."

The bill applies only to and targets intersection controlled by weight or electro-magnetic controlled sensors. Due to the size or metal mass of the motorcycle, the sensor malfunctions and does not trigger the signal phase, thereby leaving motorcyclist's in what is the 2nd most vulnerable position, as they have to sit at a malfunctioning red light for long periods of time.

The law requires the cyclist to come to a complete stop before proceeding. There are other stipulations in the law as well*.

For 12 years, ABATE of Washington has been working to find a resolution to this glitch in traffic control by offering a reasonable solution through the legislative process. In 2009, legislation was passed that would require the responsible jurisdiction to repair these problem intersection based upon the availability of funds. In the 5 years since, budget issues seems to have been in the way of appropriate updates to the equipment from happening.

This year version of the Bill was sponsored by the Senate Transportation Committee co-chairs, Senators Curtis King and Tracie Eide.

Finally, after a dozen tries, Washington State legislators have followed suits of the 15 other States with similar legislation.

ABATE of Washington is proud to announce to the motorcycle community that we truly have the GREEN-LIGHT that will allow the vehicle operator a measure of relief through the new law.