About cyclists "running red lights and stop signs"

In the bicycle world, there are a lot of different types of stopping at red lights and stop signs.

I make distinctions among:

1. proceeding through a red light or stop sign without looking or changing speeds;
2. proceeding through a red light or stop sign without changing speeds but ensuring that there is no traffic to interfere, in any direction;
3. proceeding through a red light or stop sign after slowing down considerably, verifying that there is no traffic to interfere, in any direction;
4. coming to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign, briefly enough not to put my foot down, making sure there is no traffic to interfere, in any direction, then proceeding through;
5. coming to a complete stop at a red light, at least one foot planted on the ground for several seconds, then after verifying there is no traffic to interfere, in any direction, proceeding through.
6. coming to a complete stop at a red light and waiting until the light turns green before proceeding.

The law does not allow for any of the first five. People who complain about cyclists “running red lights and stop signs” make no distinction, equating the first five, insisting upon the sixth.

I do not do #1. I do #2, #3, #4 and #5, depending on situation. I employ #6 anytime there is traffic to interfere.

I could go on for 2,000 words explaining the difference in each, their relative merits of safety, and justifying my actions thereon, but that is irrelevant. If you cannot understand the distinction thus far, there is no point in having a conversation.