Dear bikenewbie-
I have had a few similar falls and some scraped knees. When I got my clipless, the guy at my bike shop said, "Everybody falls in the beginning. Just make the change and get it over with." In the beginning, I had to remind myself to always clip out before stopping. My falls helped me to remember to do this. I am glad that you were not seriously injured...and glad I was not either! lb satterly