Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy

I don't think anyone's mentioned this: rat traps and toe clips. This is the cheap but workable stuff::
https://amazon.com/SEQI-Outdoor-Cycl.../dp/B07T7NLZDP
and this the more trad:
https://www.amazon.com/cyclingcolors.../dp/B07KCL441K



You'd use your running shoes - no transition. This is what I used when I was a teen ager. Did my first solo century, rode to work, rode to my girl friend's, etc. They make a huge difference. Totally worth a try. I always put my right foot down when I stop, so when I get into these pedals, I tighten the left strap and thread it through the buckle. I start pedaling with the right pedal upside down. Once I'm going along nicely, I slip my foot into the toe clip, reach down and tighten the right strap, but don't thread it through the buckle. To stop, I reach down and just touch the right buckle and pull my foot out. I never had a problem, even riding in downtown Seattle traffic (very hilly). Note the roller and teeth location in the buckle. This buckle design is very old, at least 120 years.

If you ride enough, the pedals will wear little grooves in the bottoms of your shoes, so the foot retention becomes evermore secure.