Advocacy & Safety - New Safety Pedals

Thought some of you would be interested!

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2004/11/sahalie_self_po.php

Thanks for the link, but doesn't quite fit the bill. How are you going to accommodate clipless pedals?

:rolleyes: well I think there may be one or two folks lurking on here that still ride platforms...

yeah i didnt think there would be a large following, though I figured most people visiting Safety forum would like to see'em.

More of a novelty item

Pretty cool, but again I use clipless. Cool though.

Very cool. If I still sported platforms, I'd consider them.

The law in Quebec requires reflectors on bicycle pedals - why dont they put them on clipless pedals. I think pedal reflectors are a great safety feature. Since these pedals flash you will lose the benfit of seeing the pedals moving up and down - particularly if they only flash at one point in the pedal stroke.

Interesting note on the flasher pedals. I think it's a well-intentioned idea, just not one that I will be purchasing, not to mention if you have a long commute, what's the energy loss/friction of the dynamos? I have a dynamo-run radio and that thing gives you some exercise -- not easy to turn. If you have to have reflectors on a pedal because of legal requirements, will reflective tape suffice?

The law in Quebec requires reflectors on bicycle pedals - why dont they put them on clipless pedals. I think pedal reflectors are a great safety feature. Since these pedals flash you will lose the benfit of seeing the pedals moving up and down - particularly if they only flash at one point in the pedal stroke.

There is not much room to put them on clipless pedals. However I think they should be on all cycle shoes (OK, perhaps not racing specific shoes)

The Shimano SD-60 SPD sandals I use have a small reflective patch on each heel. Too bad it isn't larger.

Actually to extend this, it bugs me somewhat how little cycling gear has embedded reflectors. Like helmets, gloves, jackets, backs of saddles, etc.. Sure some have 'refective accents' but these barely serve the need and yes one can add later, but then you have a 'hacked' look instead of a nicely designed integrated look.

Al

Interesting note on the flasher pedals. I think it's a well-intentioned idea, just not one that I will be purchasing, not to mention if you have a long commute, what's the energy loss/friction of the dynamos? I have a dynamo-run radio and that thing gives you some exercise -- not easy to turn. If you have to have reflectors on a pedal because of legal requirements, will reflective tape suffice?
Usually the reflective parts of your shoe will suffice.

I haven't seen too many shoes withOUT a reflective element. There are reflective ankle bands you could wear.

The law in Quebec requires reflectors on bicycle pedals - why dont they put them on clipless pedals. I think pedal reflectors are a great safety feature. Since these pedals flash you will lose the benfit of seeing the pedals moving up and down - particularly if they only flash at one point in the pedal stroke.

Here in New York all new bikes must be sold with reflectors on the pedals but I don't think the law actually requires cyclists to keep them.

I'd imagine most bikes here in the city still have them, left over from when they were new, but I rarely notice any reflection coming from the pedals.

Stacy

In addition to the little shiny patch on my Shimano shoes, I've added a large chunk of reflective tape to the back sole of the heel. This shows up better than pedal reflectors.

I could'nt find the price of these pedals any way I tried. Anyone got any idea of how much they cost. As strange as it may seem to you, I use a platform pedal on my left foot and a Shimano clip on pedal on my right foot.

Here in New York all new bikes must be sold with reflectors on the pedals but I don't think the law actually requires cyclists to keep them.

I'd imagine most bikes here in the city still have them, left over from when they were new, but I rarely notice any reflection coming from the pedals.

Stacy

The problem as I see it is that the flashers are red. How long would it take all municipalities to allow red on the pedals? Every law I've come across requires any pedal reflectors to be yellow.
I have two sided SPD MTB clipless pedals that I use, and them come with a set of reflectors that snap into one of the sides.

PRICE _ $19.50 - http://www.sahalie.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=3030&itemType=PRODUCT&sSearch=YES

There is not much room to put them on clipless pedals. However I think they should be on all cycle shoes (OK, perhaps not racing specific shoes)

The Shimano SD-60 SPD sandals I use have a small reflective patch on each heel. Too bad it isn't larger.

Actually to extend this, it bugs me somewhat how little cycling gear has embedded reflectors. Like helmets, gloves, jackets, backs of saddles, etc.. Sure some have 'refective accents' but these barely serve the need and yes one can add later, but then you have a 'hacked' look instead of a nicely designed integrated look.

Al
Ain't that the truth!! It is really frustrating that so much more concern is given in the design of cycling gear to being cool, than to being safe and functional. Even when they put in reflective piping it is miniscule. I think commuters make up such a small subset of the cycling universe that we don't really count in the marketing decisions of manufacturers. Personally I would rather be considered a visible dork than be cool and dead. I don't think there is such a thing as too much visibilty.

I would rather be considered a visible dork than be cool and dead.

Or dead and cold. ;) I am a visible dork. I could not be more proud.

Ain't that the truth!! It is really frustrating that so much more concern is given in the design of cycling gear to being cool, than to being safe and functional. Even when they put in reflective piping it is miniscule. I think commuters make up such a small subset of the cycling universe that we don't really count in the marketing decisions of manufacturers. Personally I would rather be considered a visible dork than be cool and dead. I don't think there is such a thing as too much visibilty.

Actually, when you talk pedals, it IS more functional not to have reflectors on them. I sense that most riders that don't understand all pedals not having them are using flat pedals with clips and straps, or cages. My clipless pedals give me much more power throughout my pedal stroke than any flat pedal can give, no matter what attachments they have.
If you want reflective gear, get an Illuminite outfit. The make helmet covers, vests, jackets, cycling tights, pants, and socks, of Illuminite. When any light hits this, it lights right up. The only reason you haven't found reflective gear is you're not looking.
Also, while you're at it, please don't get so hung up on hanging so much safety visibility stuff on yourself that someone decides to make it all mandatory, ALL the time. It's not that easy riding for long periods of time above 20 mph with the drag of the wind hitting all kinds of loose stuff.

Clipless babiieee.

Actually, when you talk pedals, it IS more functional not to have reflectors on them. I sense that most riders that don't understand all pedals not having them are using flat pedals with clips and straps, or cages. My clipless pedals give me much more power throughout my pedal stroke than any flat pedal can give, no matter what attachments they have.
If you want reflective gear, get an Illuminite outfit. The make helmet covers, vests, jackets, cycling tights, pants, and socks, of Illuminite. When any light hits this, it lights right up. The only reason you haven't found reflective gear is you're not looking.
Also, while you're at it, please don't get so hung up on hanging so much safety visibility stuff on yourself that someone decides to make it all mandatory, ALL the time. It's not that easy riding for long periods of time above 20 mph with the drag of the wind hitting all kinds of loose stuff.
No one expects clipless to have reflective material, they are too small and below the foot.
If the reflective material is embedded in the garment, there is nothing flapping around - that is the point - once you add on later it looks worse and prone to falling apart. Yes I am aware there are some unique manufacturers who make fully reflective gear - but also realize how easy, minimal cost and with not impact to wind drag for Giro, PI for example to add reflective material to helmets, tights, etc. Helment cover, come on. For example in the Nashbar catelog one can buy dozens of socks and sock patterns. How many have an embeded reflective stripe around the ankle? How many cycling rain jackets have more than a thin strip of reflective piping. How many gloves have reflective patches? I just was shopping for a warm long fingered glove - only one had reflective patch and for other reasons did not work for me.

Al

Actually, when you talk pedals, it IS more functional not to have reflectors on them. I sense that most riders that don't understand all pedals not having them are using flat pedals with clips and straps, or cages. My clipless pedals give me much more power throughout my pedal stroke than any flat pedal can give, no matter what attachments they have.
If you want reflective gear, get an Illuminite outfit. The make helmet covers, vests, jackets, cycling tights, pants, and socks, of Illuminite. When any light hits this, it lights right up. The only reason you haven't found reflective gear is you're not looking.
Also, while you're at it, please don't get so hung up on hanging so much safety visibility stuff on yourself that someone decides to make it all mandatory, ALL the time. It's not that easy riding for long periods of time above 20 mph with the drag of the wind hitting all kinds of loose stuff.

1. I realize this is heresy for the those members of the Clipless religion, but I ride in traffic in the city, and I when I tell my feet I want them on the ground, I want them on the ground NOW! Every clipless thread on this forum has stories of people falling. For weekend joy rides they sound great. For weekday commutes, no thanks. I guess I'm just a platform infidel.

2. Believe me I have looked. Illuminite illustrates my point, of marketing over functionality. Even on their commuter jacket the illuminite stuff is all BLACK. I love my Hi Viz screaming yellow shell for day ware, So I would have to bring 2 jackets, the hi viz for day, and the Illuminite one for night. Why cant they make a shell that is totally illuminite, and totally hi viz?

3. I have already submitted to my first cousin, Gov. Schwarzenegger, State house bill 765-34, requiring all cyclists to have at least 7 different lights on their bikes.

4. Hey Lance, give me a break. How much drag is there from a blinky!

I definitely am feeling noobish; I use platform pedals. I guess it's because I only got my bike two months ago and the only thing I've changed yet are the tires. I don't want to turn this into a flaming thread but can someone list a few of the benefits of switching to clipless? I know it's obviously much better for better use of energy but what about jumping not to mention I don't really feel like carrying around a second pair of shoes (I use my MTB as a commuting bike)

I think most USA riders want clipless, they want the best in performing. And it shows... right Lance?

Bicycle in europe is a proletarian tool. Every day riders use platforms, but racers do have clipless. In Italia, I used platforms and clips, even the old metal ones. I did not know that every day riders used clipless until I was in USA for work visit. I tested them... They are not for me.

Now, in africa, I see most riders do not even wear shoes (owwww.) Many old bicycles have been
put pedals of wood blocks, better for bare feet!

1. I realize this is heresy for the those members of the Clipless religion, but I ride in traffic in the city, and I when I tell my feet I want them on the ground, I want them on the ground NOW! Every clipless thread on this forum has stories of people falling. For weekend joy rides they sound great. For weekday commutes, no thanks. I guess I'm just a platform infidel.

I was once like you, a platform commuter. Sure there's a learning curve to riding clipless pedals, but then again how many times did you fall when learning to ride? I have no problems with getting my feet doen in a hurry. The unclipping motion is so ingrained into muscle memory so much that I don't even register a conscious effort to unclip, I just do.

1. I realize this is heresy for the those members of the Clipless religion, but I ride in traffic in the city, and I when I tell my feet I want them on the ground, I want them on the ground NOW! Every clipless thread on this forum has stories of people falling. For weekend joy rides they sound great. For weekday commutes, no thanks. I guess I'm just a platform infidel.

There are others of us who don't use clips or clipless. I also use platform pedals. They're called Shark Bites and they grip the bottom of my sneakers (*gasp*) nicely. No, I can't ride barefoot! Yes, I've been "bitten" by them a time or two - but I've learned to give them a healthy distance when walking or carrying the bike.

In my book, attaching your feet to the pedals may make you more efficient, and that's great for some people. It's not for me, though.

I definitely am feeling noobish; I use platform pedals. I guess it's because I only got my bike two months ago and the only thing I've changed yet are the tires. I don't want to turn this into a flaming thread but can someone list a few of the benefits of switching to clipless? I know it's obviously much better for better use of energy but what about jumping not to mention I don't really feel like carrying around a second pair of shoes (I use my MTB as a commuting bike)

You don't have to go clipless. If you don't have them yet, I'd suggest you at least get some clips for those platforms. You can wear normal shoes and your feet will be loose enough for you to easily get them out quickly. The safety benefit to me is huge. Without clips your feet will someday slip off the pedals and you'll either bash your shin on the pedal or you'll crash into the parked car next to you.

For me I do not run the reflectors. Some clipless pedals allow for the relectors. Put a battery in them and I would run them. I do not want to waste my energy powering them though...

1. I realize this is heresy for the those members of the Clipless religion, but I ride in traffic in the city, and I when I tell my feet I want them on the ground, I want them on the ground NOW! Every clipless thread on this forum has stories of people falling. For weekend joy rides they sound great. For weekday commutes, no thanks. I guess I'm just a platform infidel.

Wow, this is so wrong on so many levels, so let's address them.

1. Clipless pedals are not difficult or slow. Since buying my shoes, my habit in coming off of my pedals includes the ankle turn to release the pedals. When I want my feet on the ground NOW! I get them on the ground NOW because I took the time to practice using them. In fact, right now I have the retention force (which is adjustable on every set of clipless pedals I know of) set at its lowest setting so that my feet don't get hung up on the pedals. Its never been an issue for me.

2. As for falling, well that's just flat out wrong. Think of how many times you fell using your bike when you were young. Did you stop riding then because you fell? No. As for the stories, well, I"m sure some of them are embellished a little. Think about it: If you're telling a story of how clipless pedals suck, you're gonna tell the story so that the fall was the fault of the clipless pedals. And if the stories are true about falling because of your pedals, maybe they should refer to my first point and practice engaging and disengaging their pedals.

Now, I agree with you that it's a matter of personal preference, and on my MTB I still ride a pair of platforms (although not for long, I hate them) but let's not use weak justifications as a substitute for personal preferences. Each type has its place, but to make it out like clipless are dangerous and difficult is just flat out not true.

Here in New York all new bikes must be sold with reflectors on the pedals but I don't think the law actually requires cyclists to keep them.

I'd imagine most bikes here in the city still have them, left over from when they were new, but I rarely notice any reflection coming from the pedals.

Stacy

There are a lot of strange laws in NYC regarding bikes. A noise-making device (horn or bell) being required is one of them. Frankly, I can yell a lot louder than a bell, and I absolutely positively refuse to put a little silver bell on my Trek 1200. I mean, really! :rolleyes:

No one expects clipless to have reflective material, they are too small and below the foot.
If the reflective material is embedded in the garment, there is nothing flapping around - that is the point - once you add on later it looks worse and prone to falling apart. Yes I am aware there are some unique manufacturers who make fully reflective gear - but also realize how easy, minimal cost and with not impact to wind drag for Giro, PI for example to add reflective material to helmets, tights, etc. Helment cover, come on. For example in the Nashbar catelog one can buy dozens of socks and sock patterns. How many have an embeded reflective stripe around the ankle? How many cycling rain jackets have more than a thin strip of reflective piping. How many gloves have reflective patches? I just was shopping for a warm long fingered glove - only one had reflective patch and for other reasons did not work for me.

Al

I've got a safety vest for runners with a 3" wide reflective band on it. It looks white/silver with a plastic coating. When ANY light, even a small flashlight hits that band, it is very, very bright. That would be some good stuff for them to incorporate into their garments.

1. I realize this is heresy for the those members of the Clipless religion, but I ride in traffic in the city, and I when I tell my feet I want them on the ground, I want them on the ground NOW! Every clipless thread on this forum has stories of people falling. For weekend joy rides they sound great. For weekday commutes, no thanks. I guess I'm just a platform infidel.

Snap your fingers. I just unclipped, and that's how long it takes. The stories you read about people falling are from people new to clipless. It rarely happens to those that have ridden clipless for a while. I have no problems at all riding around in the city, but I use two sided MTB pedals, as they are quicker getting into.

2. Believe me I have looked. Illuminite illustrates my point, of marketing over functionality. Even on their commuter jacket the illuminite stuff is all BLACK. I love my Hi Viz screaming yellow shell for day ware, So I would have to bring 2 jackets, the hi viz for day, and the Illuminite one for night. Why cant they make a shell that is totally illuminite, and totally hi viz?

IN my response to another poster, I referenced a running vest with a VERY reflective band on it. This stuff could be put on by the manufacturer. Believe me, there is NO bike reflector in the world that equals this stuff. I don't know why the companies don't use this.

3. I have already submitted to my first cousin, Gov. Schwarzenegger, State house bill 765-34, requiring all cyclists to have at least 7 different lights on their bikes.

Ha Ha. Now go and do a 40+ mph descent on a mountain with mandatory reflectors in the spokes on the front and back wheels. You see why some of us only want the reflectors mandatory during the dark hours. Some places can ticket you 24 hours a day for not having them.

4. Hey Lance, give me a break. How much drag is there from a blinky!

More than you realize. You must have missed the show prior to the Tour De France with Lance being measured for drag in the wind tunnel. Just his breathing caused the graph to spike. When I ride at night I use lights. I just don't need extra stuff hanging on their during the day. At my age, I need all the breaks I can get.

Wow, this is so wrong on so many levels, so let's address them.

1. Clipless pedals are not difficult or slow. Since buying my shoes, my habit in coming off of my pedals includes the ankle turn to release the pedals. When I want my feet on the ground NOW! I get them on the ground NOW because I took the time to practice using them. In fact, right now I have the retention force (which is adjustable on every set of clipless pedals I know of) set at its lowest setting so that my feet don't get hung up on the pedals. Its never been an issue for me.

2. As for falling, well that's just flat out wrong. Think of how many times you fell using your bike when you were young. Did you stop riding then because you fell? No. As for the stories, well, I"m sure some of them are embellished a little. Think about it: If you're telling a story of how clipless pedals suck, you're gonna tell the story so that the fall was the fault of the clipless pedals. And if the stories are true about falling because of your pedals, maybe they should refer to my first point and practice engaging and disengaging their pedals.

Now, I agree with you that it's a matter of personal preference, and on my MTB I still ride a pair of platforms (although not for long, I hate them) but let's not use weak justifications as a substitute for personal preferences. Each type has its place, but to make it out like clipless are dangerous and difficult is just flat out not true.

Have you seen the Landrider commercial for the auto shifting bike, and how it's marketed toward people that have a hard time shifting the gears on a bike? Some people are like that with clipless. If they suddenly stopped putting automatic transmissions in vehicles, I believe at least one third of the drivers couldn't drive anymore.

I think you're right...

On a side note, the authors of the book "Just the Two of Us," the Nortons, were in that commercial. They biked across the country on Trek hybrids, and there they are singing the praises of these gimmicky cheap chunks of garbage.

It seemed so out of place and sell-outish. I was very bummed having read their book...

When I am in a car at night, I am probably more "alert" for possible bike riders than most folks. While "scanning" for bikes, often the first thing that catches my eye are pedal reflectors. The larger model pedal reflectors really light up when hit by headlights, and the motion of the pedals instantly shows that the reflection is coming from a bike in motion, and not from a mail box or stationary object.

Of course, the people who want to "look like Lance" would never be "caught dead" with pedals that use pedal reflectors - or perhaps they WILL be "caught dead" without them?

There's a good chance that most people riding bikes that want to look like Lance, as you put it, are probably wearing reflective clothes in other ways.

For example, my pedals don't have reflectors, but my shoes have huge reflective strips on the ankles that are bigger and brighter than the pedal reflectors on my other bike.

There are others of us who don't use clips or clipless. I also use platform pedals. They're called Shark Bites and they grip the bottom of my sneakers (*gasp*) nicely. No, I can't ride barefoot! Yes, I've been "bitten" by them a time or two - but I've learned to give them a healthy distance when walking or carrying the bike.

In my book, attaching your feet to the pedals may make you more efficient, and that's great for some people. It's not for me, though.

Performance also has some pretty good sized platform pedals with small allen screws that make up the "tread" around the edges. You can adjust how much they stick out for personal preferences.

Check out these combo pedals - platform on one side, clipless on the other:
Shimano M324 SPD Pedals
http://www.rei.com/product/8057554.htm?

When I was a student I usually wore street shoes to class, since I didn't have too far to go and spent most of the day on my feet. But occasionally I went farther and thought clipless would be nice. These are good too, b/c with biking shoes you can still use the platform in heavy stop-and-go traffic, when starting up, or on a very very steep ascent (It is always fun when you sense forward motion is no longer possible, and if you try to unclip you will fall over). I even bought them before I had biking shoes. Best purchase I've made for my bike. No reflectors though.

Speaking of lights and night-time visibility, I've seen LEDs that attach to your spokes and flash when your wheel moves. I don't know what powers them, but they are always on.

You should search the forums for previous posts on all these items.

Check out these combo pedals - platform on one side, clipless on the other:
Shimano M324 SPD Pedals
http://www.rei.com/product/8057554.htm?

When I was a student I usually wore street shoes to class, since I didn't have too far to go and spent most of the day on my feet. But occasionally I went farther and thought clipless would be nice. These are good too, b/c with biking shoes you can still use the platform in heavy stop-and-go traffic, when starting up, or on a very very steep ascent (It is always fun when you sense forward motion is no longer possible, and if you try to unclip you will fall over). I even bought them before I had biking shoes. Best purchase I've made for my bike. No reflectors though.



Ok, but is there some way to make sure the platform side stays face up when you are in street shoes, and the clipless side stays up when you are in bike shoes?

Ok, but is there some way to make sure the platform side stays face up when you are in street shoes, and the clipless side stays up when you are in bike shoes?

One side will always stay up. We might have some pedals like that on our club ride tomorrow, so I'll check it out.