Originally Posted by urbanknight
I vote for The Fixer's suggestion, since it will cause the most injury when the rider flails to the ground when the crank does come off, and then has to walk home, possible with the crank still attached to his shoe. How could you even suggest that?
In all fairness he said to LOOSEN the crank bolt, not remove it. If the bolt is loose by a turn or less, and the rider is checking to see if the crank is loose as he rides around the block a few times, I do not see the danger. Crank will just wobble a bit, not come off.