A 2011 study found that nearly 94% of cyclists interviewed consider it a negative physical experience to have their momentum interrupted by a stop sign or red traffic signal. The majority of bikers surveyed reported that they actually make an Idaho Stop, even when the law forbids this.
A Transport for London report posits that women are more vulnerable to truck collisions due to their tendency to be less likely to disobey red traffic signals than men. By going through a red traffic signal before it turns green, men are less likely to be caught in a truck driver’s blind spot. Instead, they get in front of the truck before it starts to enter the intersection. This research suggests that some cyclists disobey stop signs or red traffic signals in situations where their personal safety might be at risk otherwise.
From Policies for Pedaling:
Managing the Tradeoff between
Speed & Safety for Biking in Chicago. pdf 
.