The major hangups are that cars are inherently more likely to cause a collision and are significantly deadlier if a collision occurs. They have a much larger hi

The major hangups are that cars are inherently more likely to cause a collision and are significantly deadlier if a collision occurs. They have a much larger hitbox, they weigh several tons, they cannot maneuver easily and rapidly, they have visibility obstructions (like the A-block), and the internal environment of a car has potential distractions that take their attention off of the street. By contrast, bicycles are small, weigh an order of magnitude less, have no blind spots, and can execute dramatic maneuvers to avoid collisions. Cyclists should have the option but not the obligation to exercise additional restraint at intersections because their risk profile is dramatically different. Stop signs are so common in North America because they serve as "bolted-on" traffic calming, which is necessary to force drivers to proceed at safe speeds and pay attention to their environment. In addition to vehicles within the intersection, you also have to look for people crossing at the crosswalks, and dedicated bicycle crossings if the intersection is so enlightened as to have them.