i ride a single speed with only a front brake and i hate using it...so no i dont' slow down but i'd say i don't make an effort to go faster..
and as far as bk bridge....been there done that and know exactly what you're talking about. Pittsburgh is loaded with bridges...fact: Venice is the only city in the world with more!...what kills me is when people walk 3 or 4 wide watching you ride towards them for hundreds of yards then get pissy and jump out of the way at the last second!