Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
Right. I think there are two general trains of thought in this thread... most people would agree that one-sided pedals are no big deal once you have some experience and confidence in them. However, my posts thus far have been in response to the OP, who expressed a concern about being stuck in his pedals at intersections, and I think that kind of thing is *more* likely when a person has to deal with two ways to interface with the pedals than just one. For those of us who have been riding a while and are comfortable with any kind of pedal system, that concern can be a little harder to appreciate.
The OP did say that he had used SPD-SL pedals on longer rides, so he is at least used to them.
My conversion to clipless after decades of toeclip use was quick and painless.
I've never had troubles with clipless and traffic, and can do emergency unclips if needed. My only "problem" is getting annoyed when I don't time a traffic light quite right and have to unclip (usually just as the light turns green).
If commuting is generally point to point to work, then I'd go ahead and try out the SPD-SL pedals and shoes the OP already has, and leave a pair of shoes at work. Then, if it becomes more of an errand loop, then try the MTB SPD pedals.