Originally Posted by sodsbodkings

Is it possible to ride a road bike as a regular bike? Like, lower down that super high seat, swap out the dropped handlebars for flat handlebars (or raise the dropped handlebars higher), and ride it in a more upright comfortable position?
I ask because I want a lightweight bicycle for commuting and groceries, and all of the lightweight bicycles seem to be road bikes built for intense people hunched over in lycra.
Can you recommend any flat/butterfly/moustache-handlebar road bikes that can be ridden comfortably for everyday purposes?

Side question: How do people stop at red lights / stop signs with their ass so high in the air on such a tall seat? Do they slide forward and off the seat, or tilt the bike to the side and put one foot on the ground?