Most road bikes sold in bike shops are race bikes and are not very suitable for everyday riding. You can get road bikes which are not for racing. These tend to have more tyre clearance, threaded eyelets for rack and fenders, lower/wider gear range and possible a more upright riding position. They are generally called touring bikes and are excellent for everyday commuting/utility and fitness riding.
Modern flat-bar road bikes (such as Specialized Sirrus, Trek fx etc) are really lighter grade touring bikes with flat bars.