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.