Stoplights with vehicle sensors

[ny biker]

I'm convinced the pedestrian button is like the "close" button in an elevator--it's not hooked up, just there to make you feel like you have control

Here in Arlington VA the pedestrian buttons do work, and in fact you get a longer green if you press the button than if a car triggers the light to change. If I notified the county government about an intersection where the sensor didn't sense my bike, they would probably change it (assuming money in the budget, etc.). .