Platform pedals are a good way to start. Get you bike legs and bike balance going but clipless (clip in) is your friend on a road bike. Rex81 right below your post has a good point. I use mountain bike shoes and SPD pedals on my road bike because I get off and climb hills for the views and mountain bike shoes are great from walking across slopes and the desert. I hate road bike shoes for anything except pounding out miles. Pearl Izumi mesh shoes and Shimano SPD520 pedals to start.