As others have suggested; go with MTB pedals that are two sided(Time ATAC, Shimano SPD, Look Quartz), or, which I will say again; Eggbeaters!!

Because they're made primarily for a MTBs, they allow the rider to unclip as fast as possible in case of an emergency.

For example:
--When you have trouble going over roots and you don't have enough forward momentum and begin to loose your balance and start to fall and you QUICKLY unclip to keep yourself from hitting the roots with your arms and shoulders.--

That was me this morning on the trails.

With that said, I don't recommend 'Speedplays' for first time users. They are a good pedal, but they are a road pedal. Even though they have a good float, they're purpose is to hold on to you and be one with the bike. They're for long distance riding when you don't have to unclip so often, or when you want to put the hammer down. When you fall down with those, you'll still be clipped in when you're on the ground. Now, try unclipping when you're on the ground.

And finally. DO NOT BUY SINGLE SIDED PEDALS. Not for what you need them for, at least. It's better if you graduate onto those.

Well, that looks fantastic!

Don't take my initial response as being "anti-clip" because I haven't used platform pedals since about 1992.

You may wish to consider two bikes - one for commuting and one for riding long rides. Alternately, you may wish to consider two sets of pedals (they're pretty easy to switch) or something like those platform adapters above. I've used a couple different pedal systems and for *me* the speedplays are best. I have knee issues and don't like cleats that strap your foot in tightly (even the so-called "float" of the yellow SPD-SL cleats gives me trouble). I also find that speedplays are very, very easy to clip in and out of and I have not fallen as a result of failure to unclip since I started using speedplay. 15 years now. Note, I rode regular cleats for about 7 years before I started using speedplay and I did have a few wipeouts with them. I also had a rather spectacular slow mo tip over with sneakers and toe-clips when I was younger, so nothing is fool proof.

One caveat about speedplay cleats - they're metal and feel "slippery" on asphalt when you put your foot down. Traction can be an issue on some surfaces, and they are pretty unpleasant to walk around in. I got a set of keeponcovers which addressed that for me. That's one of the appeals of the various mountain cleat systems. The cleat is recessed in the shoe so you don't have traction problems when you put your foot down. Plastic cleats like the shimano variety also seem to be less problematic in that regard, but they do wear out more quickly.

I also use covers. Koop kovers on amazon. But these also work.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za....ID=3825&MODE=

I use SPDs for NYC traffic, and don't have any problems -- or at least I haven't been run over by a bus yet. Three thoughts:

1. You don't always have to be clipped in just because you have clipless. The pedals will still spin just fine. I wouldn't do it for long distances, because it's annoying, but you can ride in bike shoes on clipless pedals without being in the clips. That means that if you've got a stretch where you'd rather not be tied in to the bike...unclip for a while.

2. For short distances, SPDs work fine with regular shoes. It's not entirely comfortable, and anything more than 2 or 3 miles I wouldn't do it. But over that distance it's not going to bother you too much.

3. If you go with SPDs, get the multi-directional clips (so that your foot will pop out regardless of which way you twist it), and set the tension all the way down. You don't need it tight for city riding, and if you ever start to fall you'll probably find yourself popping right out.

While at the lbs today I had a chance to try some spd pedal/cleats just for a few clip/unclips while straddling a bike. they didn't seem to hard to unclip but it would take some getting used to.

Look into Speedplay Frogs. I used them for years as a car-free commuter. They are great, clip in super easy, unclip without thought or hesitation, and are very tolerant of grime/low maintenance. If you decide to go that route, PM me. I have an extra set of pedals and cleats. They will not be a liability in heavy traffic.

JT- thanks for the offer. I might take you up on it if they fit my criteria. Since I don't know if I will even like a clip less system it would make sense to get cheaper used ones over full price new.

+1 I also use the keep on covers
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KEEP-ON-CLEA...item3ccd8fd8df

Don't know about your particular ones, but the Time ATACs I had in about 2000 had no float and really bothered my knees.

OP - you might also check out Speedplay Frogs if you are considering MTB pedals. They have plenty of float, and they are very easy to get in and out of.

GENIUS! I always hate having to stuff my Coffee Caps in my jeans pockets when I ride to work. And hate how slippery the cleats are if I have to rest on a curb going up a climb (the joys of being fat and out of shape...) and try to push off.

Might have to get a set of these in the near future. Especially since my Coffee Caps are starting to wear out.

i wish there were recessed spd-sl.

the frogs are the first ones I will be trying out thanks to jtwilson.
I ordered a pair of these to use with cleats:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0043S...p_s_a_1&sr=8-1

Ah, go straight to the source, they're cheaper. :) Maybe shipping evens it out.

http://www.keeponkovers.com/Product.html

my atacs are also the older green/grey, not the one I pictured before.

The never seemed to bug my knees. Very easy in and out.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=295003