>>>FWIW I just did a quick check and I think I pass through 87 sets of traffic lights.
>
>now imagine cycling in Rome or Naples,
>drivers only stopping at red lights to get better bearings
>on those currently in the middle of the crossing ;-)

I've only cycled in the french countryside (which was excellent) but my memory of taking a motorcycle through various continental cities was the hazards provided by tram tracks and cobblestones.
Italian drivers usually seem to be driving with a little too much flair but at least they seem to be paying attention.
I'd like to get over and see some relatives in Nuremburg and do a little cycling round there at some point.