Oh this is classic-explain how running stop signs and traffic lights makes things safer for you.
I'll give you one example on a route I take on occasion.
I am northwestbound on Oak St. I am the first vehicle caught at the light at the intersection of Oak and S. Carrollton. My destination is the dedicated bike path at the end of Oak. The light is unusually long. If there are no cars coming on Carrollton, I'll go. That way I am well down Oak when the light changes. I hold up no cars and eliminate the possibility of impatient driver brush passing me. Oak is very narrow and most often has cars parked on each side. When I ride into the driving lane beyond the swing radius of the parked car doors (outside the door zone) the road is so narrow that it's too tight for cars to safely pass me. If I wait for the light to turn green the motorists have a choice. Stay behind me or pass unsafely. The end result is that by running the light I enhance my safety and improve overall traffic flow with no risk to anyone.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oak+St,+New+Orleans,+LA+70118/@29.9480356,-90.1328135,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x8620a5159c02980b:0x73a6f4795f6748c5!8m2!3d29.947357!4d-90.129788
That's but one of many examples of how I get the hell out of everyone's way and make it better for all of us. You are on record as wishing I'd wait the light out and hold people up.
