Oh man, I would never ride more than 3 miles w/o them. My idea of cycling shoes are different though, after racing 25 years, I currently use Sidi Carbons and Speed Play pedals. To me, with out good shoes and pedals are like skiing with out good boots and bindings - they mean that much. You want all of your energy to go to the road.
Of course, I do very little walking around when I put the bike out.
I have to agree with this totally if I am on the bike 2 mile or 30 miles, I must be clipped in and also wear Sidi shoes they are awesome. I found that good bike shoes and pedals make a world of difference. When I started clipping in a little over a year ago I noticed the difference right away and will never ride without being clipping in again. As far as the fear of falling if it happens it will be my own fault for not paying attention to what I am doing. I have never raced or been in an event of any type I ride just to get in shape. But as I always say what works for me may not work for others.
