For the same reason most cars run stop signs — if you are a reasonable clear-headed person, you have the capability of looking both ways and determining whether there are any hazards before you reach the intersection, and therefore can go through a stop sign safely.
Although to be honest, that last part about being run over was more of a joke in keeping with the theme of this thread. I know that I ride in dread fear of being run over, but I imagine many bikers are clueless, at least they ride like they are.
I’ve been run off the road by a tractor-trailer, I was rear-ended at a stop light. I’ve had cars drive unto the shoulder at me. Most drivers though are very nice to bikers.
“For the same reason most cars run stop signs — if you are a reasonable clear-headed person, you have the capability of looking both ways and determining whether there are any hazards before you reach the intersection, and therefore can go through a stop sign safely.”
Most cars do not run stop signs. Some may do a rolling stop. OTOH, I see bikes ‘fly’ through stop signs often forcing cars to take braking action to avoid them.