I'm reasonably new to bikes that actually move (as opposed to stationary bikes) but I love it so far!

However, the one thing the bike at the gym has over the bike in the park is that the bike in the gym has a strap on the pedal that lets you push AND pull - rather than just push.

So my coach (I'm doing Team In Training, for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) and the other more experienced folks are telling me I need to get clips. They don't mean clips, though - they mean clipless pedals and to be honest, the idea scares me.

I've had two crashes in the last 6 weeks (one my fault, once not) and had I not been able to move my feet quickly, I think there would have been more.

Is this fear normal? Does it go away? I know it will help me be a better rider but if I become too scared to ride, then I haven't really gained anything.

Any advice for a fraidy cat?