Don't tuck in the ends through the buckle. Pull the loose end to cinch them. Flip (yank on) the open end of the buckle with your thumb to loosen them. Practice this inside leaning against a wall if you want. Practice some more. After a while it becomes instinctive.
Leave them loose in town and in traffic until you get used to them. Tighten when you get to open road. Don't forget to loosen before stop signs! Mostly they are useful for climbing and sprinting.
Don't try to use them with some sort of lugged sole running shoes. Stick to smooth soles.