It's pretty typical for people in big cities to think theirs is the only world that exists. It's pretty easy to prohibit right on red when it's unsafe.

In most cases, the real issue (in North America) is having cars, pedestrians and cyclists all get right of way simultaneously on a green. Cars are turning but pedestrians and cyclists are coming up the side with priority. Have separate lights (not that cyclists would respect them).

I say in North America because e.g. in France, most stuff is just based on common understanding of rules (priority on roundabouts, priority to the right) and everyone gets on fine.