I commute mostly riding on sidewalks. I do not trust the road, even when there are bike lanes. In this day of texting adds a whole new dimension of danger. I find a flat bar, with bar ends is the perfect combination. I am always upright and able to constantly survey the situation, and can very quickly move my hand back to the grips to brake, or shift which I do a lot navigating between the streets and sidewalks. Flats work very well for making sharp turns which is also required when maneuvering sidewalks, driveways, gutters, etc.