My main goal when I present images is to direct the viewer’s attention to the most important areas. The basic method of viewer manipulation is to change contrast. My first instinct is to use black & white (B&W). Color usually distracts the eye and B&W is easier to control by changing the relative tonality of elements in post processing.
Sometimes, color gives me the best result. In a few instances I almost desaturate the image, leaving some colors to accentuate details or to slightly preserve the unusual quality of light.
For anything that I do in photography, my choice between B&W vs. Color is based on what I would like to present. I never decide based on the notion of what is considered appropriate. Tradition should not set rules or precedent that dictates your freedom in street photography. Always exercise personal judgment when it comes to selecting between B&W vs. color.
In any case I always shoot in color (using RAW format) and there is absolutely no reason to do otherwise. I will talk about that further in a discussion about post processing.
Candid Street Photo 
I think you´re absolutely right, Greg. Every image deserves to be edited according to what suits it best. The image here is a teriffic example of why you should never discard color as an option. //Jimmy
Good article. I think people use black and white because they think it’s “standard” in street photography, not because it always gives them best results.
there’s something about BW… cannot explain.
grouchomarx
It is ambiguity about color that helps your imagination to work, but sometimes I would like clarity. Some people argued that there is something about radio that television lacks. :^)
Radio makes greater demands on the imagination than TV. I think the same applies to BW as compared to colour. There is a certain stepping away from reality which turns the mind to the image as itself.