I ride a Strada, the following represents my experience in town dealing
with traffic controls.

For short commutes in heavy traffic, doing without clips is possible,
but I would not do it. Clips just deliver too much efficiency and I
don't have to waste energy keeping my feet up on the pedals.

I recommend the BeBop pedals because the clip is flush in the shoe
(sandal for me) so you don't have all sorts of problems walking on them.

Seems to be two schools of thought on feet down at lights. One school
is to leave one foot clipped and the other on the ground. On my
recurve mesh laid 'way back this caused me discomfort, and the Artie
Johnson fall when my leg cramped ended that route for me. The second
school is to unclip both feet, being sure to gear 'way down as you come
to a stop. I often push off with both feet for a bit of movement, then
raise my feet quickly while laying back, and start pedaling with the
raised crank first.

I make no effort to clip in until I have raised my speed and geared up
one or two gears. I keep my soles positioned where the clips are just
under the pedal (usually) however, should I miss and accidently clip in
this is no bad thing.

Always be sure and come to a complete stop at all traffic signs ;<)