The toe clips have a certain panache that apeals to some. For others we've found that we get better results from using what is called "clipless" pedals of some form. The name is a bit of a misnomer though. On clipless pedals you definetly clip in. While these pedals do not have the cage and strap that secures your toe into the pedal they do use special bicycling shoes that have recessed cleats on the sole that snap into a little spring loaded claw or wire bails on the pedals to lock your foot to the pedal so you can do all the same things like lifting up on the up stroke. Most of all for a lot of us it ensures that our feet lock into the pedals in the exact same position each time so there's no fumbling around for the "sweet spot" like on regular platform pedals. To get out of pedals with toe clips you pull your foot back. To unsnap from "clipless" pedals you pull your ankle outwards and let your foot turn at an angle. The angle prys the clamp apart and your shoe snaps out of the clamp. If set to the lighter side of the adjustment for clicking out it's not hard to do at all. A couple of rides on a quiet route with a lot of clicking in and out and you'll get the hang of it in no time at all.

I really like using clipless Shimano SPD compatible pedals on most of my road bikes.