This thread makes it obvious that we all have our own sensibilities regarding the law as it applies to bicycles. I believe that besides our personal feelings we should realize that every community has it's own values as well. My community (New Orleans) is lax across the board. It is illegal to drink alcohol in public or to be intoxicated on the street, prostitution is illegal, drugs are illegal, speeding and running red lights is illegal for motorists and bikes, playing music on the street is illegal, panhandling is illegal, sleeping under a bridge or on the sidewalk is illegal, etc. Enforcement of these laws are generally on a "need to know" basis i.e., someone complains about a specific problem at a specific time and place. Otherwise - do your thing man.