oh, and as far as unclipping goes: My better half suggested unclipping one side (the left, as the right side has the chain and derailers, etc, and can cause more damage on a fall); and not the other. Then dismount from the unclipped side. Once you have stopped you can unclip the other side.

Thought it sounded hokey at first, but it works! I have not fallen since using this method. Now I just hope that if I need to stop suddenly, I have enough sense to remember to unclip!