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PhilDAS-
Agreed, but if stopping on a brakeless fixie has been shown to meet the stopping distance for vehicles stated in high way code then there shouldn't be an issue. Superior stopping is always going to be a good thing don't get me wrong but if you meet the requirements deemed to be the minimum needed to ensure public safety then the actual vehicle/bike isn't the issue.
user82665
I completely understand and get that point, I mean if I don't use a brake then having one anyway makes no difference right? Its like having a puncture kit... It's the in case scenario and I get that.
But in all honesty and this is just for me personally, however stupid it may sound. The whole point in why I ride fixed gear is the fundamental basis that I receive more control cycling than other forms of gearing and me getting to this stage in becoming a good cyclist (in my opinion) is because I relied on not having to use a brake and having to think ahead and judge situations. I feel like placing a brake would detach me from that in a way where stopping with cleats and then switching to straps and back to cleats leaves a noticeable retraining in how you cycle where stopping is a greater issue than before.
I've never experienced any issues at all in my years cycling apart from the odd taxi left hooking and before the case that made headlines I didn't feel as though brakeless fixies had a bad image or even had any problems in causing any documented cases of injury or death that I knew of. In fact I still only know of the one death from the headlined case. So personally I don't feel like I should have to change anything when as a cyclist my cycling has never been an issue.
There's a million ifs and buts even with a front brake I.e. What if your pads are lose or the line was tightened correctly and fail. All fixed gear riders should ensure their bike is mechanically sound and safe for roads but that goes back to care for other people and property.