Originally Posted by
a1penguin
If you can't remember to clip out, it's probably because you are too busy concentrating on something else. In that case, you aren't going to have the bandwidth to remember to use the electronic release. I think it just takes a bit of practice before it's so second nature you don't ever realize you are unclipping. Kind of like learning to drive a stick shift; you are going to stall and stutter start until it becomes second nature.
Why would you need to use an electronic release? With the system I envisioned, everything is passive. You hit the brakes, the computer knows that you are intending to slow down so it releases the solenoid holding the clips in place. Since you aren't pedaling at that point because you are slowing down, then it won't matter if you are clipped in or not since you aren't powering though the stroke. You as the bike operator do NOT have to hit a button or engage a lever or anything to release the brakes, its all done automatically.
I also thought maybe the automatic release would only engage when you got below a certain speed.
Its funny how the people here are almost hostile towards my idea. "Another solution to a problem that doesn't exist". All I know is that I read stories about people falling over at stop lights when using clipless. Why is it a bad thing to have an automatic release? And as to the battery issue, heck, have the solenoid setup work in such a way that if there is no power being applied, the clips are in release mode.
I can imagine a LOT more people like casual riders like I would be much more intrigued to try clipless if it had an automatic release system. No more worrying about falling over and embarrassing oneself.
I really think the biggest benefit would be during a panic situation where you grab the brakes hard because someone pulls in front of you.