There are some situations where brakes and braking are inappropriate.
I ride brakeless on the velodrome - and I would be very very unhappy if anyone was riding with a brake.
If I am riding in a bunch, or even in a small group, the last thing I want them to do is brake.
But neither of those situations is live big city traffic. I wouldn't sit on someone's wheel through traffic, and I certainly wouldn't ride without a front brake on my fixie. Bicycle polo maybe a contact sport, but it's not played with lorries and pedestrians is it?
It's just not appropriate. Ok, I know that some of you have madder skills than mine, and feel safer riding without, whatever.
+1
Wot Bill said. Except he said it better than I did.
+1
Wot Bill said. Except he said it better than I did.