Originally Posted by
mrmish
Thanks everyone for replying! Here are the things I learned:
1. I should try not to extend the hand out and not fall on the palm or shoulders. Hitting the elbow would be least damaging for the hand I guess.
2. I should try to fall in a way that probably the knee hits first, and then roll over gently on the back.
3. Keep calm and also yell OH CRAP at the same time
4. Practice unclipping a few feet before stopping (which I am doing now) and then slowly close the distance.
Guess I'd wear my biking shoes even during my everyday commute on uni campus until I get used to clipless. Hoping safe falls or no falls at all.
I just joined this forum and I am pleasantly surprised by how active this place is. Thanks again. I hope you guys enjoyed/ are enjoying the eclipse today (if you're in the US).
Don't do what I did and chose not to unclip because I thought I wouldn't have to stop completely. In case of doubt, unclip. If you're coming to a blind corner/intersection that you might need to stop abruptly, unclip before reaching that corner/intersection. You can always pedal on the heel or arch but make sure you don't inadvertently clip back otherwise you're back to square one.
Don't know which cleats you have but multi-release cleats could be an option. It's easier to unclip from them.