Well, I guess, if I were afraid of falling, I wouldn't be on a bike to begin with. Last summer, while riding my hybrid with sneakers (no cages), I stopped, put my right foot down and promptly toppled over into the bushes!

I bought a new road bike (Trek Pilot 2.1) and they put flat pedals on for me because I was afraid of the new bike, let alone being attached to it. But after a few rides, I decided that I should try the cages. I have been riding fine with them - no toppling over. So my next investment will be clipless pedals. But it won't be until after my Bike New York Tour on May7th.

Right now I'm leaning toward the Speedplay Frogs but I'm going to my LBS to get some more info on the different types.

I'm still new to all this cycling stuff so I'm going to take it a little at a time!
Many thanks to all of you for your opinions and advice. It makes a newbie feel like a real cyclist!!

Patty