You could just keep the clips and straps, then go all in and get some old fashioned wood soled cycling shoes with nailed on cleats, and use those clips and straps the way God intended. You'll become a real expert at slowing down at every light, reaching down to loosen the strap, and hoping you can wriggle your foot out before you get to the stop line and/or fall over.

Do this for a few months, and then get a pair of clipless pedals and shoes, and you'll be amazed at how incredibly simple it is to merely rotate your heel a few degrees and, voila, disengage.