It's like a manual vs an automatic vehicle. You aren't forced to constantly pedal, so much as your legs must move at the same speed as the pedals. At low speeds

It's like a manual vs an automatic vehicle. You aren't forced to constantly pedal, so much as your legs must move at the same speed as the pedals. At low speeds you are much more connected to the bicycle. Taking a low speed, sharp turn is more akin to walking and feels much more natural. Also, it enforces good form, like pedaling thru turns. Small speed adjustments are natural and easy. Also, when accelerating, the pedals are moving regardless of input, so you can simply tap them down on the downstroke, hovering your foot above the pedal on the up stroke. There is a reason a fixed gear is a popular configuration and it has little to do with being cool or hip.