For what it's worth, it's metabolically costly to completely stop and then start moving again on a bike. And it also costs some maneuverability. Let me explain

For what it's worth, it's metabolically costly to completely stop and then start moving again on a bike. And it also costs some maneuverability. Let me explain. Above a certain speed, both bicycles and motorcycles are more maneuverable, and more predictable, than they are when going more slowly. Above that speed threshold they're counter-steered. That is, when I want to turn right I apply very slight left-turning pressure to the front wheel. That makes the bike bank to the right and smoothly enter the turn. At lower speeds I turn the wheel in the direction I want to go. This counter-steering thing is only a factor in two-wheeled vehicles: vehicles with more wheels can't bank, of course. I've been a cyclist for decades, but I didn't understand counter-steering until I took motorcycle driver training. Motorcycle instructors drill it into us because it's a vital part of swerving to avoid obstructions when going at motorized speeds. As a cyclist in traffic I find I'm particularly vulnerable in the transition between direct-steer and counter-steer speeds. So, trying to keep my speed above the threshold both saves my energy and keeps me at maneuvering speed. I do this by slowing down when approaching a red light, with the hope it will change to green before I arrive. I also try to stop a few meters back from a red light so I have space to get up to maneuvering speed before entering an intersection without having to stand and stomp my pedals.