Thanks for all your replies.
The consensus seems to be that it can be done without as long as you use front and rear brakes, but to get access to some of the more advanced FG-specific riding you need clips or clipless pedals.

I may for now stick with the toe clips and use bdaisies advice (start moving slowly) to see whether I can get both feet in. Otherwise I may put some campus pedals on the bike, since I am not a fan of clipless pedals on my daily commute bike (needing special shoes etc.)

Duppie