1) i rode a freewheel BMX brakeless in San Fran for a summer (99) while living at the top of Nobb Hill. Made for some interesting riding and I wore through two pairs of Chuck Taylors. It was a pain in the ass but all i had.
edit: oops, forgot...
2) i definitely know what you mean. I'm heading down to new orleans tomorrow and dread not having a bike to get around.