I agree. My stoker never unclips at stops. At stops, I use a wide stance so she can set the pedals at a start position for the green light.

Sounds funny to new tandemers but when I use a wide stance, I can support the weight of the bike and the stoker even without holding on the handlebars by lowering myself down onto the toptube. I tried road shoes on the tandem, not for me. I like the extra stability of the mtb sole while supporting the tandem at stops. I've had my feel slide with road cleats (Look)

Good tires and a nice frame pump. Being a heavier team, we tend to flat more than on the singles.

We use beachcruiser foam type covering on the stokers cow bar shaped handlebars. She enjoys the extra cush of the foam rather than the tape. Easier for her if she decides not to wear gloves on the tandem (even out the tan lines on her hands )