As a motorcyclist, some of your biggest frustrations come from navigating in a world made for cars and trucks. Roads are built with larger vehicles in mind, and that sometimes causes problems for the motorcycle rider. In fact, it often contributes to motorcycle accidents and injuries.
One of the prime examples of the fact that the world is designed for cars is the red light signal. Embedded in the pavement, these signals rely on the weight of a vehicle on the road to gauge when it's time to change the light from red to green. In many cases, motorcycles are simply not heavy enough, or their weight is not widely distributed enough, to trigger the signal.
This problem leaves the motorcyclist stuck at the intersection waiting for a car to pull up and trigger the switch. The frustrating wait can lead to risking a ticket for proceeding against the red light.
But a new law in New York now allows motorcycles to legally proceed through the intersection on a red light after waiting at least 60 seconds to see if the signal triggers.
Here are the rules:
• You must come to a complete stop at the red light.
• You must wait a "reasonable period of time," or at least 60 seconds, to see if the light changes.
• If the light doesn't change, you can proceed with caution, but vehicles coming through the intersection on a green light have the right of way. Pedestrians also have the right of way.
You won't be ticketed for proceeding on red if you follow these directions. But in the event of an accident involving another vehicle that had the green light, or involving a pedestrian crossing the street, the other vehicle and the pedestrian cannot be ticketed. The motorcyclist proceeding on red may be ticketed for failure to yield the right of way.
New York also requires that motorcycles be equipped with mufflers, or straight pipes, to reduce noise levels. A bike that has been altered in such a way as to increase the noise level from the exhaust is illegal and the rider can be ticketed.
Another new provision in New York law makes it illegal to perform "illegal maneuvers" including "wheelies," or any trick that involves one wheel leaving the ground. A first offense is punishable by a fine. Subsequent offenses result in suspension of the rider's driver's license for one year, plus increasing fines.
New York motorcycle drivers must also carry auto insurance, just like any car or truck driver. Any vehicle that travels on roadways must carry insurance.
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