I ride 5000 mi/yr in Chicago. You may have confronted me before.

I am a pragmatist, not an idealist. Here, it indeed is illegal for bikes to go through red lights. It's also illegal for cars to pass within 3 feet of us. And unfortunately, it isn't illegal for the City to build a nice, inviting bike lane and then abandon the riders abruptly with no alternatives (such as on Damen between Harrison and Lake, which I ride every day).

Few of the laws intended to protect all road users are followed by everyone. While I certainly agree that cyclists breaking the law discourages motorists from going out of their way to protect us, the responsible actions of one, or even many cyclists will not change culture here.

Cars and bikes here have established a sort of dysfunctional equilibrium in this city, though with unacceptably frequent failures. However, I think larger systemic issues need to be dealt with to make meaningful changes. Until then, I will continue to take whatever actions keep me safest. Wearing a reflective vest, being lit like a UFO, taking the lane, and running red lights in certain circumstances.