Big benefits of going clipless?

[teawoman]

I just went clipless this year. I've fallen once (in 4 rides so far). I was in toe cages for about two years before I got the courage to do clipless.

You are a bit ahead already because the foot you put down is already used to having to pull out of something before you stop because of the cages. My left foot is my down foot, and I haven't keeled over from that foot yet. I also, as others have said, I unclip well before I come to a stop sign or a stale green. I sort of rest my foot near the heel of my shoe and I can still pedal. I do have the mountain shoes, though.

When I fell was when I was standing still with my left unclipped and my right still clipped...I forgot my right foot was still attached to the bike...I lost my balance somehow and went over to the right side. Scraped up a bit, but that's it. I have got the pedals with the clips on both sides that came with my bike originally, so that makes it easier.