Same here -- in 1968 I put toeclips and straps (my girlfriend -- now wife -- called them "toe traps") on my first Bianchi and on my hybrid 12-speed (Sturmey-Archer hub with 4-speed cogset) commuter. I have used them on all of my bicycles ever since.

Well?...I went for a 1/2 hour casual roll through the hood under last nights super moon and?...

I really liked going strapless....the toe cups positioned my foot just fine and still offered plenty of upstroke retention without the straps and getting on and off the bike was a breeze with less chance of me dorking out. LOL!

I cut mine and make minis out of them

Thanks!....I was actually getting ready to do just that!

Great minds think alike?

+1, we do!

some plastics are more rigid than others. metal ones you can bend and snap.

If I'm not running clips and straps or clipless I like BMX pedals and shoes that'll stay on them. Vans with the classic sole or many trail running shoes will stick to the pins like glue. Only $15 or so for the pedals.

The 63 Schwinn Varsity I got in 1964 had toe gages with leather straps. It was always debatable (if I remember correctly) as to how much efficiency they afforded an average cyclist (not that any of us were only average). But they kept my feet from slipping off the pedals, and on the tough climbs I could always pull with my legs when pushing was about worn out.

I ride mostly contemporary bikes. And I enjoy "clipping" in with my "clipless pedals" (stupidest reference in cycling). But I own and sometimes ride an old vintage bicycle or two as well. And on them I like cages.... like the old days. And they still work fine, too.

Yeah I've used nylon plastic clips for decades now just for crossing stop sign or lighted intersections with the pedal upside down. Reaching down and loosening straps upon approaching stop signs becomes second nature after joining club tombay......Or just leaving one side loose when on intersectioned city streets.

Thanks for sharing the tips, suggestions and experience folks...it's much appreciated and?......

In the name of honesty being the best policy?...I guess I'm a bit envious of the above because simply put?...I feel like I no longer possess the mobility, agility and/or coordination to put into practice the above in a consistently safe manor...heck....I could probably throw a hip or shoulder out reaching down to loosen or tighten straps...not to mention my sense of balance is no where's near what it used to be.

Now maybe if I had dedicated myself too cycling the past few decades?...such acts may come as ingrained second nature but with me being in not so great of shape?...such feats can seem a bit daunting...especially if it were in a situation that required speed and urgency so for now?...I'll err towards the safe side and forgo the straps....but I sure do enjoy pedaling enough that maybe someday soon I'll upgrade to the clipless gear. Thanks again and ride safe, Bill.

Well they make these half clips too Bill. So you wouldn't have had to hack on the strapped ones to make you a pair. These look a little lower profile and maybe sturdier in support than your home made ones but I've never tried any myself. The price is right though.

Zefal Bicycle Half Toe Clips, L/XL, 1 Pair, Black

Us guys with big feet might have to space them out from the pedals a little with some longer bolts and washers depending on what sizes are out there.

I ride with straps just tight enough to keep my foot on the pedal but loose enough to back my feet out at any time. When I find that sweet spot I tape the strap to keep from loosening. On the pedal is a little tab and most of the time I get a foot back in with just a little flick, no hunting for it.

I use a Motorola ELITE Sliver 2 Bluetooth Headset in my right ear for music. I can wear glasses and a helmet with it, no wires hanging anywhere and my left ear is unobstructed. Not the greatest fidelity, but at least I can hear my surroundings.

I've used these for a few years off-road and on road and believe they really help the pedalling motion for those of us who don't want to go clipless for whatever reason. They do give an element of support to the upward stroke and stop the feet slipping. I've amended mine by using a plastic block between the pedal and clip to give me the exact position I want for my feet.