Seriously. If there is no traffic, why would you wait at a light?

2 reasons, one is you're supposed to obey the rules the other is drivers get irritated at cyclists when they don't. Did you ever wonder why drivers treat bike riders poorly?

John you are absolutely correct. Cyclists by law have to follow the same rules as cars. Are you sure the existing detectors aren't strong enough? They should be sensitive enough to detect a bicycle if you line up right on the edge.

Most vehicle detectors are types of induction loops (big metal detectors). I agree with Rob that you might be able to make it detect your bicycle if you stop with your wheels right on top of the scar in the pavement where they cut to allow them to put in the wire loop.

There's no loop visible in the road, it was paved over years ago, but there are now painted markers that do the trick.