since you're a fairly new rider, are you pretty familiar with the overall function of everything on the bike (shifters, derailleurs, brakes) as well as the concept of counter-steering when you get up to speed (comes naturally i believe)?

i rode motorcycles for years before i started cycling and found many similarities so it wasn't much of a learning curve for me, but if you're still in the early stages of riding then you may want to simplify things a bit and go with some regular pedals for the time being. what is it about the clipless pedals that worries you? are you worried you won't be able to unclip or may forget when you need to?

i'm getting my wife into riding a road bike and i'm starting REAL slow, she had that "information overload" look on her face when i was going through explaining how everything functions. i think she may work up to clipless pedals eventually, but right now i'm just working on getting her to the point where braking, shifting, etc are just second nature. don't want to throw another variable in there that might cause her to lose control and crash.

as for the fear of riding in general, i'm not familiar with your area but are there any parks in your area with bike paths where you'll only encounter other cyclists and joggers/walkers and not motor vehicles? this may be a good option and could relieve any anxiety you may have about sharing the road with cars (who don't seem so willing to share it with cyclists). just a few suggestions, take them for what they're worth, but i hope they help.