The reason I like the pedal forward design is because of balance issues. A few years ago I was diagnosed with vertigo. Horrible dizziness that makes getting out of a chair a dangerous activity. Most days I have no issues, but it comes and goes and these days is usually mild. With a pedal forward bike you can have full leg extension yet touch the ground without having to leave the seat. With my bike it's the balls of the feet that make the contact, but with a townie your entire foot can make flat contact with the ground. This is a great innovation for cyclists who have lost some steadiness due to age.