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@TurtleRecall
The number of people who, when I mention that I cycle, say 'I hate cyclists, they all run red lights, sail through ped crossings' etc is rather large. I'd imagine only a few of them drive in London, most are pedestrians/public transport users.
To think that people riding like dicks doesn't reflect badly on other cyclists is a little naive, I think. In an ideal world we'd all be judged individually on our merits and wouldn't get lumped in and stereotyped by the form of transport we choose to use, but in reality that's not the case.
I mean, just have a bit of a read through some of the threads on here and other cycling sites to read about white van men or typical BMW drivers to see that it happens whatever your form of transport.
I ride in accordance with the highway code because a) it's the law and b) it keeps me safe(r than ignoring it). I also feel that other road users/pedestrians might see me stopping at a red, or allowing a pedestrian to cross and think 'oh, not all cyclists are dicks'. You never know, it might help.
PS - I drove into work ONCE and saw enough shit cycling in that time to raise my blood pressure significantly, including one prick wobbling into my wing mirror whilst I was sat at traffic lights (and yes, I'd left plenty of room).