Just got my girlfriend her new bike but we started with platforms because she is a bit afraid of clipless from seeing me fall sideways but I am sure after a couple of weeks of riding I can slowly ease her into the idea. Anyone have recommendations on the easiest pedals to get in and out of? The Look Keo Easy pedals claim that they are designed for super easy in and out but I don't know if their claims are actually true.

get her some MTB pedals to start with.

Which ones? I use some Shimano 520's right now but I wouldn't say they are the easiest to get out of.

I was going to recommend the 520's but now I don't know what to say.

I have some older style Look pedals. They are really easy to get out of.

Speedplay Light Action

I'd actually say Speedplay Frogs are the easiest to get out of. There's no tension to overcome, just the release angle.

Seriously. With the 520's tension set low, one can almost walk out of them.

i think anything is easy with the tension set very low...

Its all about unclipping early

+1...don't know why people worry so much. I have Looks and with the tension at the lowest they release with the slightest of sideways effort. Doesn't mean there is no risk of a tumble if you suddenly come to a complete stop with out getting a leg into position for release...but so long as you read the road ahead its not that tricky.

I use the SPD's with platform pedals on one side. As mentioned, you can set the tension as low as you want. And with those pedals, you can flip over and go platform in heavy traffic, or any time you're worried about unclipping. I still like the platform side for short trips to the store, so I can wear regular shoes.

these have no tactile feedback at all, so you really don't know if you're clipped in or not, or if you've clipped out of them or not.

for easy really easy... bebop pedals.
But personally, I'd go for TIME ATAC.

All clipless are easy to get in and out of, once you figure out the trick.

I love my Frogs, but I think SPDs, with the tension set to the lowest, are the easiest to unclip out of. Not that the Frogs are difficult either, mind you.

Get another pair of Shimano 520's, and replace the SH51 cleats with the SH56 multi release cleat.

Keo "Easy"

SPD's are super super easy to get out of. When I was just starting to use them, and still hadn't gotten used to clipping out early, I was surprised to find that I could clip out by practically yanking my foot straight out. (I had the tension really low). That saved me from some falls, let me tell you.

Also, after you put the pedals on her bike, take her somewhere she ride around for a while without traffic, like an empty parking lot, so she can practice the movement for a bit before going out into the street. I was dubious too when I first got my clipless pedals, but after getting accommodated to the action, I really like them.

520 SPD's

Not sure if I agree with that. I learned on the Look Delta system, and they still required some effort to disengage at the lowest setting. Some didn't even have adjustable release. Other ones are more intuitive in a panic moment, which I imagine is what a newcomer would like.

For me, easiest to use has nothing to do with the tension to get out, anyone can learn to deal with that. It has everything to do with hitting the entry. I've only used speedplay, but I rarely look anymore, and rarely miss.

+1

I got Keo "Easy"s as my first clips on my first real road bike. I've never had a problem unclipping, and they won't break the bank.

I almost fell once, at a stop, when I leaned the wrong way (unclipped left, leaned right- stupidly). In a mindless moment of panic I wrenched my right foot straight out from my body, and they unclipped with enough time to stop myself from falling.

I wouldn't be too keen on keeping the tension too low because you might accidentally disengage in certain situations you DO NOT want them to. When I got my clipless pedals I just practiced clipping in and out until I felt confident enough riding through busy traffic where I often have to clip out. It doesn't take long at all to get used to the angle and force required so just get the ones you want and practice.

This. I've used a few different kinds now, and they're all pretty easy to get out of. Honestly, the better question (which would likely spawn more heated debate) is which ones are easiest to get INTO.

The spd cleats are very easy to get out of, but I also find the Look Keo Carbon cleats easy to get out of. As has been stated, with adjusable tension, most can be made easy to get out of.