Quote Originally Posted by kajero View Post
Whew. Now I have to figure out how to stand. I am so scared of losing my balance!
From a dead stop is the easiest way, because you're already doing it! You just don't sit back down once you've got the momentum.

Nybiker is right, you do NOT need clips or cleats, but you DO need secure contact. No slippery shoes, no sandals that might pull off your feet. I stand to climb bridges, in street shoes on the OEM cheap flat pedals on my hybrid all the time.