#1 Sometimes motorcycles and scooters don't present enough metal mass at stop lights to trigger the sensors. Look for straight cutlines in the concrete at the intersection and position your bike right over them; these cutlines are where the sensor lines are buried and you'll have a better chance of getting the light to change. If you don't have a kill switch on your sidestand, you can even swing it down right on the cutline.
#2 Once in a while you want to stop somewhere that's not an optimal surface (like really hot asphalt or soft ground) for your sidestand and you could get a tip over if it sinks in. A squashed beer can is ideal for putting under your sidestand foot in this case and they seem to be ubiquitous on the side of the road. Other hacks are jar lids, folded cardboard or a flat rock.
#3 OK, for whatever reason, you may need to get the rear wheel off the ground. Put the side stand down and position yourself on that side of the bike. Turn the bars lock to lock towards you and apply the front brake. Push forward and pull the bike towards you at the same time and you can lever the bike up on the front wheel and side stand with yourself as the 3rd leg of the tripod. Ask your friend to oil the chain, find the nail, rotate to get access to the air valve, remove the obstruction, etc.
