Originally Posted by kickstart

But it was still a "preventable incident" on the cyclists behalf.

He guesstimated the light incorrectly and decided to "go for it", rather then err on the side of safety. (BTDT)
He chose to ride a bike with only one brake. (My path racer only has a front brake)
He may have failed to inspect his bike prior to his ride, cables rarely just fail without obvious signs beforehand. (I also rarely do a through PTI on my bikes)

Blaming or being an apologist isn't what matters, it still is something that's educational, and/or a reminder of pitfalls we can avoid.