Clipless pedals are absolutely worth it for all the reasons others have mentioned. In addition I feel very strongly that warnings made by one responder about safety are mis-guided. I, for one, feel very much saver with my feet attached to the pedals knowing that they will not slip off accidently. If you can walk and chew gum, you will quickly learn to release one foot when required and experience will quickly teach you to release in anticipation of having to put a foot down. If you are not a serious roadie, the many spd style take-offs are probably the best way to go.