Suppose somebody invented a bicycle component that:
*Makes cycling much less intimidating for neophytes
*Enhances safety by reducing likelihood of falling
*For all but the most skilled riders, enhances take-off speed from red lights and stop signs
*Saves you money
*Makes it easier to walk around during cycling rest breaks
*Allows you better fitting footwear if your feet have unusual proportions
*Allows you to make subtle adjustments on the fly to combat fatigue or leg/foot cramps.
*Only downside is a slight (how much is debated) loss of efficiency and speed, so not good for all-out racing
This miraculous invention is called the "platform pedal."
Don in Austin