Originally Posted by
Murray Missile
No "rule" I know of . . .
Here's one from the US CPSC: " . . . Unless a customer specifies otherwise, the hand lever that operates the rear brake must be on the right handlebar. The lever that operates the front brake must be on the left handlebar. A lever that operates both brakes may be on either handlebar." This is a requirement for sellers, was never binding on owners. They didn't used to allow the seller to alter the setup for customer preference.
. . . but any new bike I've ever ridden was set up front/left and rear/right. I prefer that setup mainly because the front brake has the majority of the stopping power on wheeled vehicles and I'm right handed. If I have to take a hand off the bars to do something it would be my right and I can still have the front brake covered. Plus with my right being the dominant hand I'm (ever so slightly) less likely to overpower the front brake on loose surfaces using my left hand. Might all just be in my head but that's "why" I prefer it that way.
I concur, makes it easier to simultaneously brake the front and downshift the rear while coming to a stop.