You don't have to go clipless. Just because 'everyone" else is doing it doesn't mean you have to.

Ok.. that said, I do have to say that once I went clipless I wasn't going back. actually I didn't really like the cages and felt they were their own safety issues since I thought I couldn't get out in time if I needed to.

I noticed better power transfer and a sense of being more part of the bike. Made hills a bit easier.

Also, I used to ski a lot so for me the whole clipless thing was easy since it just reminded me of ski bindings which if I'm remembering correctly is their origin. I think Look developed the first clipless pedals.

ah.. and btw, I *think* they're called clipless because you lose the toe clips or cages.