The proper way for a motor vehicle driver to stop at a light or sign is to stop a few feet before the sign/light and then move ahead to the street when all is clear.  Many, many people stop right at the intersection and even across crosswalks to turn esp right turns.  This is so dangerous for both.  I have almost hit two people by doing this reckless habit and have started driving correctly at least in this situation.  

I lived in Massachusetts and biked there for 8 years.  For the most part there weren't any sidewalks in neighborhoods and in the small towns.  We rode in the street.  It was illegal to ride a bike on a sidewalk.  Most grates along the side of the road were replaced with ones that were perpendicular to the side of the roads.  We all learned to ride and drive safely on the roads.  I don't understand why it can't be this way here.  We even got into the left hand lanes to turn left.  Drivers were mostly very aware and patient of bikers.