We’ve been encouraging helmet and brake use on fixed gears since well before the fixed gear trend started here.
The problem is that preaching safety to cyclists is like telling a habitual smoker that regular tobacco use causes lung cancer. Best method of having an impact on someone’s safety considerations is by putting to practice what you recommend.
One of our first bikes we built in fact had front and rear brakes, something which although common in the West kicked off a huge debate from folks around here that often have misperceptions about cycling.
Lately as stories like the one you mention are posted up on Weibo we’ve gotten a lot of attention as having done things right from the get go. Lately we’ve been sought out by a grip of people drawn to the benefits of a brake with little consideration for its effect on “coolness”.
It’s changing, slowly, but for sure. We organize our races with safety first in mind and never ever recommend riding against traffic law or in a manner that puts the rider at risk. A ride like this is to encourage people to get out and explore the streets, meet people and exercise.
Sometimes the limits gets pushed however and that’s when you get super exciting videos to watch such as this. Hopefully it’ll inspire you to go out and (safely) take over the streets yourself.