Do you use them?

Pedals + shoes can cost as much as my bike. I would like to use them but they seem too expensive.

What inexpensive options are out there?

TIA

Are you talking about clipless? or toe clips and straps?

Just wondering what type of pedals most hybrid riders use.

I have SPD/platforms. They are platform pedals with an SPD binding on one side. I can ride them with or without the shoes with cleats.

Overhauled straight-out-of-box MKS GR-9 platforms with toe-clips & straps. I wear sneakers when I ride usually.

Shimano M520 pedals and pearl izumi mtb shoes. For serious riding, they are great. For casual around the block or slow trips with the girlfriend, flat pedals are convenient. I have about $80 into that set up but I got the shoes on clearance. Clipless are the way to go. Learning is fun though, be prepared to fall a time or two (practice on grass) Once ya figure it out though its second nature, really.

I tried em but switched to platform to get better support for my feet. SPD is the most common clipless system and requires shoes that accept a cleat. You adjust the tension on the pedals so you can click out of them easily. You do that by twisting the heel outward to release the latch and that takes practice until it is second nature.

Im looking for a clip and strap system to use for my triathlons. Right now, I just ride platforms

I use SPD, specifically Shimano PDM324, dual sided pedals, with mountain bike shoes (again, Shimano,) because they are easier to walk in (quiet too). Dual sides allow you to ride with bike specific shoes, and any other footwear, which is really handy. It pays to buy name brand pedals and shoes, as the cheaper house brands were no where near the quality and performance of the Shimano stuff.

Watching sales at places like nashbar, Performance, and others, you can make the complete switch for less than $100.

Best change I ever made, bicycling.

I had power-grip pedals but took the straps off, so now just have the platforms.
Ernest

Crankbrothers Candy SL pedals and Pearl Izumi X-Alp Seek shoes. The shoes look much like trail running shoes and were just as comfy on my feet. I've had em for a couple weeks now and really like them. Only two falls so far!

It takes me just a minute or three to swap pedals if I ever need to.

Use the BMX pedals with pins. They're probably just as efficient (pedaling on the up-stroke is a myth - it's the "scoop" motion at the bottom that counts and BMX pedals are great here), cheap ($20 for ok ones) , and don't need special shoes.

Double-sided spd pedals (can be found cheap) with the Keen commuter sandals (these are expensive, ~100, but I wouldn't trade 'em). During summer they're ideal for staying a little cooler than I found most shoes. Put some socks on under (if you get them a little large) and they're good enough for fall/spring commuting too. Not the most stylish to walk around in, as they're pretty narrow, but I don't really care. Caution- they do flex more than a shoe, so loosen the tension on the pedal.

Check out Nashbar. I bought my first set of Speedplay X-5's and a pair of Nashbar road shoes for about $160. The shoes are still going after 4 years. Love the Speedplays as well. Tons of float for my 45 year old knees.