Let me add that I have been going back and forth between clipless and platform on one of my bikes just to see if I can tell any difference. It feels different, but my average speed hasn't changed. I have a pair of Reebok shoes that have a fairly stiff sole with a thin layer of soft rubber. They stick very well to the pinned platform pedals but have very little flex. For your application there's really no need to ride with cleated shoes and clipless pedals.