[redwitch]

I would think that the vast majority of cyclists know the law and know they are breaking it. The reality is it is a royal pain to regain momentum when you have to stop, especially when you've been going at a good clip and enjoying the heck out of your ride. When you're in a pack, you have the advantage of numbers and the excuse that you need to keep up with the group and, thus, you can all feel safe in breaking the laws (which is why I could only go group riding on country roads through Napa/Calistoga). Not necessarily the smartest idea, but it seems to work for them. Personally, I think those who run stop signs/lights had a strange desire to become a bike messenger in NYC or SF. (The fact that at least one is killed or severely injured monthly seems to be irrelevant.)