Frequently Asked Questions

Do all signals have vehicle detection? 
No they do not. In the downtown core area the distances between signals are small and traffic volumes are relatively fixed so vehicle detection was not installed. Virtually all other signals outside of downtown are "actuated" or have vehicle detection. 

Is vehicle detection "on" all the time? 
Yes, however as a driver you may not immediately see a green light. Depending on the time of day and what road you are on, the road may be part of the coordinated signal system in which case the central control computer may "hold" a main street green in anticipation of a group of cars arriving shortly from a neighboring signal. This is common on streets such as Kietzke, Virginia, Mill, Keystone, McCarran, Wells, Plumb, and Oddie. 

What happens when a vehicle detector "fails"? 
The amplifier will send a constant "request for service" or "call" to the traffic control device. This will turn a side street green even if there are no cars there and hold it green for the maximum allowable time that it is programmed to be green in the traffic control device. 

What are the major causes of detector failure? 
The biggest single cause of detector failure is construction. Construction of a new building usually involves new sidewalk and cuts in the roadway to connect sewer and power. Whenever utility work must be done, usually the roadway is cut with a concrete saw. This cuts the loops installed in the roadway and renders them useless. 

Secondarily, the roadway itself will wear out, and create cracks or pot holes which expose the loop wires. Traffic running over them renders them inoperative. 

How come the detector won't pick up my motorcycle? 
With very small vehicles such as a moped or some motorcycles, the detector may not be sensitive enough to pick it up. Most cyclists do not notice a problem during the day as there are enough regular cars to actuate the loops. The problem becomes very apparent at lightly used intersections or in the early am or evening. Make sure you are stopping in the correct location, that is behind the white line or crosswalk. The most sensitive areas of detection are to either side of the lane, not in the middle. Machines made mostly of alloys or aluminum that are high off the pavement will be more difficult to detect. While signal staff has not verified it by experiment we have been told by police officers that installing a small loop of wire with several turns (go around in a circle two or three times) about nine inches to a foot in diameter under the frame of the motorcycle parallel to the roadway surface will make the detector work every time. 

Who do we call if we suspect a detector problem? 
Please call 775-334-1270 for the signal shop between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm. Alternately you may contact Reno Direct.

What is Traffic Calming? 
Many groups have difficulty in clearly defining "Traffic Calming".  The City of Reno uses the definition adopted by The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE):

"Traffic calming is the combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior and improve conditions for non-motorized street users". 
Reid Ewing, Traffic Calming: State of the Practice, Institute of Transportation Engineers, 1999.

Traffic calming treatments include speed tables, median islands, and traffic circles.  Some traffic calming treatments slow traffic and others reduce traffic volumes.

Where can traffic calming be installed and how do I get traffic calming on my street? 
Traffic calming treatments may be installed on streets classified as local or minor collector streets, that are not classified as Primary Emergency Vehicle Routes (PEVR). The first time citizens notice speeding in their neighborhood, they should contact Reno Direct to report the problem. If police respond and the problem doesn't go away or it gets progressively worse, please contact Traffic Engineering.

What is the method for ranking streets eligible for traffic calming? 
Traffic calming petitions are accepted each year between July 1st and June 30th. Staff evaluates all petitions for accuracy and conducts a seven day speed study for each street that has submitted a traffic calming petition with signatures from a minimum of 2/3 of the residents within the petition area. Please see the traffic calming policy and petition.

How are streets prioritized for traffic calming funding? 
The priorities are based on available funding for the current fiscal year.