My father can't lean over to adjust the straps on our recumbent exercise bike. He can't even lift his foot to the pedals, but that's another story. Assuming he can eventually get his foot up there by himself, is there an easier, but still safe, alternative to straps? The crank takes a pedal with a 1/2" bolt thing. Compatibility with regular sneakers is a plus.

Maybe I'll just make them slightly stiffer so they don't move so much toward the front of the peddle when he slips his foot in, and if they do, they'll spring back to the proper position easier. I could attach a second strap perpendicular to the first, from the center of the existing strap to the far end of the pedal. I like that it would still be a bit flexible in case he figures out a way to fall off the seat.

1/2" could be a problem, although there are some 1/2" to 9/16" adapters available.

Many exercise bikes have a single strap over the pedal without toeclips.



Clipless is always a possibility if you set the pressure light.

Photos and drawings of what you have would help some.

That photo is basically what I have. I want a strap that's a little more rigid so the strap doesn't get pushed forward so much when you put your foot in. A wider strap that you can securely attach to the sides of the peddle would work. I think toeclips would work too, but nothing made of ridged plastic.

I sometimes use exercise machines at the YMCA during the winter and have found that kind of pedal strap can be adjusted once and then will hold that position, which could be a useful thing if the adjustment is loose enough to be able to slide the foot in and out.

Yes. It's not really that bad. In fact, I think the problem is more in the shoes than the strap. But it bothers me a little that there's an inch of play so sometimes the strap ends up at least an inch further toward the toe.

Maybe get a Plain 1/2" pedal ( cannot wear slippers On the steel Ones)and figure out how to fit Power Grips On it

I believe ashtabula cranks take 9/16" and the bikes we're used to take 1/2". So it should be easy to find pedals. Some flat mountain bike style pedals have pins that help hold the shoe to the pedal, especially tennis shoes. Most recumbent trainers don't have high pedals, so straps aren't really necessary. If they are, the Power Grips (posted by fietsbob) are a good choice.

Yes there are options...
Top strap or straps can be removed.
Rider can use a short reach extender to hold the pedal still to get foot Into It.

The pedal has a removable led weight under the base that makes the pedal sit upright to assist In foot entry..

https://www.sportsartamerica.com/saf/...foot_pedal.asp

https://jendel.imb2b.com/sell/index.php?itemid=454

Good to see there are options. Now I'm thinking of a strap that would work better for me too because it catches on the crank shortener that I made (see my left strap get caught in this video). Until I get something else I'll have to make it more snug.

The pedal pictured above, with the heal cup, is the answer. Whether my father can get into it by himself is secondary at this point. He needs something to hold his heal in place because he tends to ride bow legged (the increased q factor from the crank shortener doesn't help). But he can pedal with the crank shortener for a while before his shoe starts rubbing against it then his heal catches so there's hope. This pedal is the cheapest version I've found so far. I'm debating whether to make one myself (probably an attachment to the existing pedal). A pair is like 1/4 the cost of the whole bike. If I'm lucky I'll find someone who recovered from their injury and wants to sell theirs for a bargain.