^All valid points - on paper - but in practice it's a different thing.
Remember that vehicles and bicycles are not equal. You should not expect them to behave as though they are.
Well, according to the law they are equal. I realize that a lot of cyclists don't think they're bound by the same road law as cars, but ignorance of the law isn't a defense.
Every street, intersection, laneway, bike lane are all subject to different variables that constantly change as the day goes on. Follow the rules all you want but common sense has to reign. There may even be a situation in which the only safe thing to do is (*gasp*) get up on the sidewalk out of harm's way. (But never ride through a throng of pedestrians).
Commonsense would imply that you'd follow the rules as laid out clearly for everyone - not make up your own rules to suit individual tastes. Placing yourself where you're not expected to be (coming the wrong way on a one-way street, cycling on the sidewalk or on cross-walks, etc) is very dangerous. I'm sure you've done it plenty of times to little negative result, but all it takes is one unfortunate miscalculation.
While the intention isn't to be a jerk on the roads, a lot of cyclists are unaware of how they're not only putting themselves in danger, but endangering other road users. I don't fancy having a cyclist lodge himself in my windshield because he ran a stop sign, or broke some other easily observed rule.
I speak for only myself and not any other cyclist when I say that I am quite capable of approaching any intersection from any direction safely. I'm a big boy and know when it is safe to cross a street. I do not need a yield sign or stop sign to know that I must ensure that it is safe to proceed. (Unfortunately many cyclists and drivers are helpless in these instances and a growing number seem to be helpless even when following every rule to the letter).
Taking the law, and road rules, into your own hands and coming up with your own definition for legal responsibilities is not acting in a safe manner. You do need to yield to both stop signs and other signs. The suggestion that you're above the law, and above those traffic controls, is wrongheaded.
1. I am invisible not invincible.
Well, if you're riding the wrong way on streets, and using sidewalks as short-cuts, then you have only yourself to blame if you're feeling invisible. Perhaps you should also look into more reflectors, or brighter clothing?
