I can fold my Brompton bars down with the GR3. & not hit the wheel
(Back-to front about 4")

For my Bike Friday and its split -straight Bar,
I also have a set of GR5s they come around in front. J like,

gripping there and bending my elbows lets me lower my torso like going to the drops allows for Headwinds .
Much in the same way the figure 8 bend on trekking bars allow..

often I use the open relaxed palm laid on the Bar-end, /trekking bar side..

rather than holding on for dear life .. white knuckled.