I rode brakeless-fixed for just under one year, due to stubbornness and laziness. I was trying to build it using only parts from the bike co-op and couldn't find any brakes that fit (very sort reach). Didn't have any close calls, and never once had to skid to stop. I did ride much more carefully, especially at intersections. It's fun and has it's aesthetic, but it's mostly a macho thing imo. Busy intersections at the bottom of steep hills are what convinced me to finally add a brake.