A "stale green" traffic light is one that has been green for awhile, and may be about to change to yellow. You may be familiar with the intersections around your neighborhood, and which lights are quick to change and which ones are not. You can use that knowledge to help anticipate as you approach an intersection (although you shouldn't bet your life on the fact that a light will always behave consistently.) But pay close attention to those traffic lights that you are not familiar with. If it's been green for a few moments, be ready to see the yellow caution appear, especially if the cross-traffic has emptied out. Check your mirrors -- is the guy behind you anticipating the yellow, and ready to hit the throttle? Last week I braked for a yellow light --- at the same time the guy behind me accelerated for it. He had to hit his brakes hard to avoid hitting me.
As the light changes, you don't know for certain which lane of traffic gets the next green light, either. Will it be the left turn lane? The direct lane? Both? Be prepared to see traffic moving opposite you or crossing in front of you.
Sharon Stanley, Editor of Wing World had some similar tips last month. She reminds us to tap or squeeze the brakes several times as you slow down, in order to flash your brake lights at the traffic behind. Movement attracts the eye, and a quick movement attracts the eye quickly. So use hand signals as well as signal lights, to catch the drivers' eyes. Do it all the time, even if there isn't noticible traffic, and it will become a habit.
And in all cases, remember to think of you and your bike as though you are invisible to other drivers. Because in many cases, although you're there plain as day, even to a mildly distracted driver, you're virtually invisible.
Nancy Kwiecien
GWRRA Spring, Texas Chapter M-2 Chapter Educator