I agree with pedalfaster too. When I got my road bike I started off straight away with clipless pedal ( They were Looks and after loads of grief I finally switched to Speedplay which I love, but that's another story). Flat pedals or toe-clips weren't even suggested to me so I just went along with it.

I agree that you might as well start as you mean to go - ie with clipless, otherwise you'll have to spend time re-learning when you switch from toe-clips to clipless.

Maybe you should look into getting some Speedplays - they're VERY easy to get out of, just a simple twist. You don't have to use any force and there's no fumbling with straps. Since I started using them last year I don't think I've ever had problems getting out of them - even when my legs have felt totally dead.

Initially you might not feel fully confident having both your feet clipped in place - I must admit as a beginner the idea of being attached to my bike was a bit scarry, but what bothered me the most wasn't the fact I was clipped in, it was that I couldn't clip out. When I switched to Speedplays the whole issue disappeared as clipping out was never a problem and it made me a much more confident.

Just my ramblings....