Motorcycles (at least in FL) can proceed through the red light (after two signal cycles...IIRC), yielding to traffic having the green, if the sensor fails to register the motorcycle.
-or-
Buy a different car...for less money...that gets better mileage and uses regular (87 octane) instead of the high test required by the notsosmart car.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/la-hy-jdpower-smallcars-pg,0,4317752.photogallery
What I do when the thing won't trigger is grab a handful of throttle and do a smokey burn out. Usually the commotion trigger the sensor but if it doesn't there's a ready smokescreen to escape through...
Interestingly enough, I did an experiment on a recent cross country trip. (2006 Chevy HHR) I alternated between filing the tank with premium and regular. I kept track of the mileage.
In the end, running on premium cost me about 4 cents a mile less than regular—even though it was at least 15 cents a gallon more in most places.
Yes, filling the tank with premium was a painful experience, but in the long haul—one that i would not have to repeat as often.
Just food for thought.
Of course your mileage may vary.