Stanron wrote: Finally, if a cyclist can see that there are no oncoming cars, or pedestrians crossing, then it is perfectly safe to go through the red light...

That might be true if there are no pedestrians anywhere near, who might cross the road unexpectedly - or just walk on it for a few metres to get round something on the pavement. That includes pedestrians the cyclist cannot see - they might be out of his sight. Pedestrians should be able to assume that all vehicles stop at red lights.