As pointed out in the article, it comes into play making u turns or threading your way through obstacles at low speed - assuming you are cranking. Never been an issue for me on a commuter, if I wanted to weave in and out between pedestrians on an MUP I'd probably be on a beach cruiser. You may get the occasional toe strike but it's hardly a big deal, it doesn't translate into a fall or loss of control, your toe clears in a split second.