Stale Green

From Scott Lanner

I was reading the April 2017 edition of Rider magazine (yes, I can read) and came across a section called "Stayin' Safe". The website has archives of the articles and many of them are informative and pertinent for two-wheeled riders no matter what size machine.  Here is a link to that Rider Magazine site.
Some of them are even more important for us lower powered riders, like this one (not yet in archive) from page 84, titled "The Stale Green". Here's a summary:
Intersections are leading spots for crashes. Traffic signals help control the area, but too many drivers and riders don't obey them. Here comes the meaty part: if the light ahead has been green as long as you could see it, consider it a "stale green", meaning it could turn at any moment. Slow down to be ready for the change or somebody turning who might try to beat the light. Watch your mirrors to make sure the guy behind you isn't trying to do the same thing. "Anticipating the stale green gives us fresh options to stay in control at intersections". Thanks, Eric Trow, writer of this piece.
Most lights in Colorado Springs have less than a 3 minute total cycle, meaning from start of green your way to the next start of green your way is less than 3 minutes. So if you get "stuck" by the light, you'll have less than one song on the radio or MP3 player until it's green for you again. Isn't that short wait better than an accident, repair bill and possible ER or hospital stay? I'll take the short pause, myself.
Keep the shiny side up. Peace, Love and Scoot safely.