Not by pedaling backwards, but rather by doing a reverse rotafix.

The following is the rotafix procedure, used to fasten the cog to the hub - you must do the opposite to remove the cog.


With the rear wheel firmly secured to the frame, slowly wrap the chain around the sprocket in such a way as to trap it inside the chain itself.



Keep wrapping the chain around the sprocket until it is taut, on one side tightly wrapped around the sprocket and on the other around the bottom bracket shell.



Grip the rim of the wheel firmly and rotate in an anti-clockwise direction (avoid applying excessive force as this may damage the threads of the hub). With this technique it is possible to apply a tightening torque much greater than that available using a chain whip: the force is applied at a distance which coincides with the radius of the wheel instead of the much smaller radius of the sprocket, greatly increasing the leverage.The lock ring is now unnecessary.