cycling as always been dangerous, i know because i had a cycle for over 11 years, and loved cycling around town and outside when got the chance. But there should never be a reason to cycle on the pavement, that is pedestrian space, as to going over the traffic lights, which many do they have no idea of the risk they run. I have been tentatively involved with the british transport police and their bike road safety campaign, and even their most senior officer remarked he was shocked how many cyclists rode over red lights. Those caught were fined, or had the choice to sit through a bike safety talk, which was a good thing. I have been sworn and spat at, called any number of rude name, rode into, almost knocked to the ground endless times, and that wasn't always by the usual bike courier types but the city wallys who think they can get away with it.