The City of Santa Cruz works hard to make sure that every traffic signal detects people on bikes. There are two types of traffic signal detection in Santa Cruz: video detection and inductive loop detection.

Video detection is proving to be very accurate for detecting bicycles. The intersection is separated into zones of detection that include each lane of traffic, including the bike lanes. When a bicycle is detected by the camera, the signal will turn green on the next signal cycle.  When biking at night, be sure to use a front headlight since the video cannot detect cyclists without lights.

Loop detectors work basically like metal detectors. They consist of several “wraps” of wire set in the pavement that connect to the traffic signal controller. Loop detectors will detect any type of metal-steel, aluminum, or alloy. At some intersections, we have placed bike markings show you where to position yourself to be detected.

There are three types of loop detectors. These are the best places to position your bike to be detected:

If you find that you are not being detected, you have three immediate options: position yourself on a different loop, wait for a motor vehicle to drive up and change the signal, or use the pedestrian push button. Some people report that tilting their bike nearly flat on the loop also works.

If you encounter a traffic signal that does not detect cyclists, contact the Transportation Coordinator and we will test the intersection.

Hayden Glines
Transportation Coordinator
831-420-5187
email