Bicyclists who ignore traffic signals may get away with it most of the time, but they're taking a big risk. You increase the esteem of bicyclists in the public eye by looking like a responsible road user. You get a chance to catch your breath. If you ignore red lights when you bike, pretty soon you will be doing it when you drive. If someone hits you it will be completely their fault and you will have a much better chance at getting compensation for any medical expenses and bike repair.
Light cycles are usually very short.
Give it a try. Then write us and tell us how the experiment went. Learn to downshift every time you anticipate stopping so that you can start again rapidly and smoothly.