No doubt someone will disagree, but spd pedals might be a good choice for a novice. You have the benefit of a more comfortable shoe in case you end up walking a bit. You can also get a multi-release cleat which lets you release a bit more easily and in multiple directions. I almost fell the other day coming up to a stop light too fast and did a hard brake and then ended up slightly to the right. I normally unclip the left so I started to go over but pulled up and out just in time. Maybe other systems allow for this. I don't know. I just know I've been happy with spd. Maybe someday I'll get something else but for now I'm happy. They also have spd (and probably others as well) that have a clipless system on one side and platform on the other. I use one like this on the mtb so I can do short family rides and not deal with the shoes. Shimano makes a nice road version of this that I considered.

For example, http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-A52...ef=pd_sbs_sg_1

Something else to consider is float - which is the degree to which your foot can move around or float while clipped in. Until you get a good idea of what you want, you might want something with a bit of float. No float with something not set up right can lead to knee issues.