Sharraxaadda
The new traffic signals on the South Street Bridge were designed to help bicycle traffic, but I think they're actually hurting. The signals for South Street traffic go as follows.
(1) Left turns (from both E and W directions) go
(2) Traffic going straight goes next, during which bicycles and pedestrians also cross
(3) Traffic turning right gets the final signal
From my perspective, the main motivation for having an isolated signal for (3) is that it keeps cyclists safe from turning traffic during (2), as all cars in (2) should be going straight.
The problem is that many cars in the right lane end up turning right on red during (2), rather than waiting until (3). This is despite a red arrow for that lane, as well as a signal saying no turn on red. If a cyclist is approaching the light trying to make a green light during (2), it's possible that a car turning right could hit the cyclist.
Personally, this could all be fixed by reversing the order of the signal, such that it goes (3) then (2) then (1).
2 Faalladas
Philip Cook (Martida)
I think there is confusion about whether "no turn on red" means "no turn on red arrow" or just "no turn on red light". I have seen many drivers get honked and yelled at because they are waiting for the green arrow.
I think they are correct to wait because the PA driver's manual says of a red arrow "Although not common in Pennsylvania, a RED ARROW is used in other states. It means you may not turn in the direction the arrow points." By my reading that means a red arrow trumps a green light.
Bankster (Martida)