What I think happens is an unintended consequence of cyclists wanting to be like vehicles and advocating their cause as such.

The thing is, bikes are neither pedestrians nor motor vehicles. They're too fast to mix safely with pedestrians, and too slow for most motor traffic. Their flexibility -- where bikes can fit if necessary -- also rates between both peds and cars.

The most painless treatment of bikes I've seen yet is when bikes, cars, and peds get separate facilities, not only in terms of lanes or sidewalk markings, but also with separate signal lights at intersections and separate routes through large, multi-street intersections.

In lieu of separate facilities and signals, I'll go when it's safe, even if it's against a light. I'd rather do that than share an intersection with drivers next to me who have just gotten the green light and are accelerating, turning, and going wherever else they need to go.