So the scenario that concerns you most is: first that a cyclist doesn't see your vehicle approaching an intersection with the right-of-way, and then that a vehicle is trailing you too closely and can't brake in reaction to your braking? This isn't impossible, but it includes multiple operator errors, so it isn't really something that should drive policy. I personally have driven many miles over many years, and have never rear-ended anyone. I've also ridden (fewer miles, but still) over many years, and I pay very close attention to cross-traffic that doesn't stop, especially if it's going 45 mph.

Welcome to California. (it might be worse in SF/Northern California, though)

I got rear-ended by the athletic director for the SF city schools a decade ago when I stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian (coming down Twin Peaks into the Castro). That exact layout -- no stop sign, but stop signs on the cross street (and a crosswalk).

(It was an interesting experience for me because I was driving a to-me huge rental car (Kia Amanti) and he had some old Honda civic; since it was on a hill the heights were accentuated, so his car basically went underneath my rear bumper and stopped when it hit the axle. At ~35mph I guess, and really massive damage to his car and <$2k to mine.)