Oh I understand that urban riding is different.

I agree with you not getting in a line of cars at a stop light. That would piss more people off.

Here in Minneapolis we have bike lanes everywhere so bikes get their own lanes of traffic on just about all the major streets.

Minneapolis is very bike friendly.

In your case I would probably ride past the cars as well. I don't know that I agree with running the lights though.

Couldn't you pull up along side the cars that are waiting and take off from the light? Or would you be worried about them squeezing you out if you did?