Forgive me if someone has already pointed out that back in the day, quill pedals/toeclips/strips were used with a slotted cleat. A lot of track racers still use this system. I remember lining up for a crit around 1991, and being the only one in the race that was still using toeclips. I was surpised that I was MUCH faster getting clipped in than the competition...who were apparently all still learning to use their Look pedals.

You tap the pedal with your toe, it flips over and slide your foot home. It is one continuous motion. It is part of the action of taking off from a stop. You don't stop pedaling to get your foot into the toeclip. You flip the pedal over and slide your foot in WHILE you are pedaling. Accelerate up to 20 or so and then tighten the strap before settling into your spin.