Originally Posted by
StephenH
Why you should use a coaster brake: Because you're too old, fat, or young to go fast anyway, you live where it's basically flat, and that's what came on your bike...
...If you have to ask if a coaster brake is going to be good enough, that's a pretty good indication to avoid it.
I don't think you're giving the coaster brake enough credit here. Used in combination with a front brake, a coaster will be more than adequate even in the hilliest of terrain. I used to commute in Seattle with a 3 speed coaster brake bike, and never had any problems.
A coaster brake is also a really good idea if you live where it rains a lot (ie Seattle). Really, a coaster brake is good for most applications where you needs to be able to coast, and or brake.