two questions? is it ok to push start?

I came home today and wanted to go for a ride but the battery didn't have enough juice. Is it ok to push start? I will buy a new battery tomorrow.

question is: how do you guys trigger stop lights? Some times I have to wait 2 or 3 cycles.

Push starting is ok, second gear.
Don't have to worry to much in my state about lights not triggering.
You can go after 30 seconds if it's clear and doesn't trigger.

Push start is fine. Second gear.

As for the lights, turn right instead. Turn around at first opportunity. Ride on. Prosper.

If I can see the metal lines in the road that appear to indicate a trip based on magnetic force, I try to position the area just behind the front wheel over as many intersecting lines as possible. That area where there's lots of motor and frame converging at lowest point of bike.


I also tend to try to brake relatively hard for the last 6 to 12 inches of travel in case it's a weight thing that trips light.
Gotta be real careful doing that though as oil drippings from cars and such at lights can build up and be slippery.

If all else fails, depending on time of day and intersection, I either make a left turn on the red arrow but when the green in my direction has the right-of-way, or I go straight then make u-turn, then make right turn.

You can also try blipping the starter button when parked over the induction loop. It worked for my SV, but not as well on the WR as the starter sits higher from the ground, but the magnetic field generated by the starter can trigger the loop. Some people put magnets on the bottom of their bike.

I usually just look both ways and go for it. I've been busted once...

Virginia has the same provision as Tenessee:

"Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a driver of a motorcycle or moped or a bicycle rider approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic light, the driver or rider may proceed through the intersection on a steady red light only if the driver or rider (i) comes to a full and complete stop at the intersection for two complete cycles of the traffic light or for two minutes, whichever is shorter, (ii) exercises due care as provided by law, (iii) otherwise treats the traffic control device as a stop sign, (iv) determines that it is safe to proceed, and (v) yields the right of way to the driver of any vehicle approaching on such other highway from either direction."

Nice info, thanks