Trick riding on the streets, roads or highways isn't smart - it's dumb. Good cyclists don't have to show off. Check your chain too. If you're proud of your bike, you'll keep it washed, polished and well oiled. Good car drivers keep both hands on the wheel.
Good cyclists keep both hands on the handlebars.
You can't do that if you've got an armful of books or a bag of groceries. So put things in your carrier. Don't carry anything on your handlebars - you will lose steering control.