Originally Posted by FBinNY

That type of brake release was SOP for years with centerpull and canti brakes. It was essentially outlawed by the US CPSC back around 1970 because so many people would forget to reset them and end up brakeless.

The CPSC mandate called for releases that would not affect the function of the brakes when left open. The modern systems built into the lever reflect that mandate.

Of course, using the "release" as a parking brake meets the requirement.