Clipless Pedals in Cities - Irresponsible

MickeyTake

The advantages of using clipless (clip-in) pedals are obvious to anyone who uses them. However, surely there is a time and a place for their use. I have been cycling through Dublin City at peak times (8.30am and 5.30pm ish) for the last number of years, and having seen every type of cyclist under the sun in that time, I have formed an opinion that using clipless pedals to cycle through a large urban area at peak times is dangerous and irresponsible. Surely the benefits are far outweighted by the cost of increased time to get your foot to the ground.

There is no argument that it doesn't take longer to get your foot out. For example, if a child runs out in front of you from behind a car in traffic, it will take longer to unclip so you can safely stop than if you are just using platform pedals.

What if a car user wanted to clip his feet onto the accelerator and clutch because it helped him to drive more efficiently, but therefore increased his braking time - would that be ok? Surely not.

I am a big fan of clipless pedals, and use them when cycling for recreation. However, using them in cities at peak time is not appropriate in my opinion - especially for those cyclists that think they are in the Tour de France while cycling down Gardiner Street.

Would anyone agree?

07Lapierre

No!

Mint Sauce

Sometimes you have to cycle through a city to get to your destination.

macnab

No.

Mr. Grieves

MickeyTake wrote: »

There is no argument that it doesn't take longer to get your foot out. For example, if a child runs out in front of you from behind a car in traffic, it will take longer to unclip so you can safely stop than if you are just using platform pedals.

This is not true for anybody used to using clipless pedals. I've had the front tyre slip on a wet manhole cover and my foot was out before I'd even consiously registered that anything had happened. Also, stopping quickly and safely has nothing to do with being able to put your foot on the ground.

marketty

If you come to a sudden stop for some reason and don't unclip in time you're the only one that's going to be hurt, as far as I can see

LennoxR

MickeyTake wrote: »

The advantages of using clipless (clip-in) pedals are obvious to anyone who uses them. However, surely there is a time and a place for their use. I have been cycling through Dublin City at peak times (8.30am and 5.30pm ish) for the last number of years, and having seen every type of cyclist under the sun in that time, I have formed an opinion that using clipless pedals to cycle through a large urban area at peak times is dangerous and irresponsible. Surely the benefits are far outweighted by the cost of increased time to get your foot to the ground.

There is no argument that it doesn't take longer to get your foot out. For example, if a child runs out in front of you from behind a car in traffic, it will take longer to unclip so you can safely stop than if you are just using platform pedals.

What if a car user wanted to clip his feet onto the accelerator and clutch because it helped him to drive more efficiently, but therefore increased his braking time - would that be ok? Surely not.

I am a big fan of clipless pedals, and use them when cycling for recreation. However, using them in cities at peak time is not appropriate in my opinion - especially for those cyclists that think they are in the Tour de France while cycling down Gardiner Street.

Would anyone agree?

No offence but that's complete rubbish. I worked as a courier for a year and half in the city centre using spd pedals and it was never an issue. You just flick your ankle and you're out. In any case it doesn't have anything to do with stopping times.

Not having well maintained brakes, ok the clipless pedals are neither here nor there.

Dermot Illogical

How have you managed to link being clipped in with braking times? Are you one of those fellas who uses the soles of his shoes to stop or something?

patrick151

Not a courier but I ride Fixed and clipless for my commute and I'd wager it would be more dangerous of me without clips. Once I'm up to speed keeping my foot on the pedal becomes difficult without foot retention. Secondly, I brake with my legs(I do have a front brake people chill out) so I stop quicker with clips. I never worry about slipping off the pedals, and steering into traffic because of it, with them and can control my bike that bit better while firmly attached to it

Never had an issue in an emergency either, when I've needed my foot out of the pedal(panicking) I've always been able to either twist my foot out in time or just pull hard enough it pops out

Even had a Pedestrian step out in front of me on O'Connell street in the wet, while on my road bike, last week. Managed to unclip one foot, while braking- which caused my rear wheel to lock on the slippy road, but i could controlled it to a stop with my leading, still clipped in, foot

I say your argument is utter rubbish OP

Somewhat related: I find it funny that when i started ridding clipless that I was gonna get hurt from not being able to clip out but now I'm scared to ride without them- in case I get hurt

Edit: just realized your OP's account name... damn it

el tel

You unclip from so-called clipless pedals by removing your foot just like you would on platform pedals. I should think in an emergency stop it would make minimal difference. I think that it is in slow speed manoeuvres and taking off from standstill where clipless pedals are perhaps a hindrance in stop start urban traffic.

Keep_Her_Lit

MickeyTake wrote: »

I am a big fan of clipless pedals, and use them when cycling for recreation. However, using them in cities at peak time is not appropriate in my opinion - especially for those cyclists that think they are in the Tour de France while cycling down Gardiner Street.

So you think that those cyclists that think they are in the Tour de France while cycling down Gardiner Street should ride on flat pedals. Hmmm. That just doesn't compute for me. Sorry.

The Big Lebowsky

I'm using speedplay zero's, and never had a problem unclipping in heavy traffic...My pedals are doublesided, so no looking down or fumbling to clip in as you pull away from the traffic lights:D

rollingscone

I feel waaaay way safer in SPDs, especially in the wet. I stop before I clip out generally (it's that fast) and find that not only am I spared the wet weather 'look ma! No feet' (also known as the tap dance of death) I also have more control of the bike at all times.

I could think of a handful of times where being clipped in actually saved my skin from the incompetence of motorists or other cyclists.

Chips Lovell

What?

The tax man

MickeyTake, you taking the Mick?
Complete and utter rubbish and it's not even a Friday.
Anyone can unclip a foot a lot faster than your brakes would stop the bike in an emergency.

CardinalJ

Maybe people who have just got their first clipped in pedals/shoes, might struggle for the first while, but I don't think a trip through town would be their first port of call to be honest.

People who cycle like idiots will cycle like idiots regardless of whether they're clipped in.

elduggo

Dermot Illogical wrote: »

How have you managed to link being clipped in with braking times? Are you one of those fellas who uses the soles of his shoes to stop or something?

I had a raleigh burner when I was 7 and we used to do this. Me ma gave me a clip round the ear for wearing out the soles of me runners though so I had to stop it.

Dermot Illogical

elduggo wrote: »

I had a raleigh burner when I was 7 and we used to do this. Me ma gave me a clip round the ear for wearing out the soles of me runners though so I had to stop it.

Did the same, but on a racer too big for me so I had to cycle with one leg through the frame. When I got bigger I didn't have working brakes all that often so the side of the shoe against the rim of the front wheel did the job.
Memories, eh?

Columbia

Do you mean clipped pedals by any chance OP? That's the only thing I can think of to make sense of the post, although I don't know anybody who, having seen a child step on to the road in front of them, would choose to loosen their clips before applying the brakes. I assume everybody would hit the brakes as hard as possible, and if they flop over like a dead fish once stopped, so be it.

What about riding with your hands on the bar tops? Now that really would slow down your braking if a child stepped on to the road.

TheBlaaMan

Ah come on, this is a wind-up, isn't it?

Piss take = taking the mickey = MickeyTake....... presumably

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekQ_Ja02gTY

mistermatthew

Its not as dangerous as a Dura-ace chain in the city, too much speed.

kenmc

MickeyTake wrote: »

There is no argument that it doesn't take longer to get your foot out. For example, if a child runs out in front of you from behind a car in traffic, it will take longer to unclip so you can safely stop than if you are just using platform pedals.

why are you using your feet to brake? wierdo.

doozerie

MickeyTake wrote: »

There is no argument that it doesn't take longer to get your foot out.

"Oh yes there is! Isn't there, boys and girls?!"

rollingscone

What about the dangers of wearing helmets without cushioning on the outside?

For when you get catapulted and hit a child with the hard outer plastic of your helmet?

Dermot Illogical

rollingscone wrote: »

What about the dangers of wearing helmet's without cushioning on the outside?

For when you get catapulted and hit a child with the hard outer plastic of your helmet?

You lost me at possessive.

Zyzz

Possibly the most useless thread Ive seen this year on boards..

RobFowl

07Lapierre wrote: »

No!

+1

MrCreosote

I think the OP is on to something here. The studies clearly show that clipless pedal users are more likely to engage in other deviant behaviours like track-standing and leg shaving. Even though they might improve pedalling efficiency, the risk compensation increases the danger for ALL road users, not just children.

Countries like Australia that have made platform pedals compulsory have a healthier and safer cycling culture.

Darkglasses

Absolute baloney. We get a reasonable amount of drivel here, but clipless pedals making my stopping distance longer is right up there.

Squidgy Black

Such a flawed argument, you keep linking being clipped in with braking times, and as if being clipped in is the equivalent to not being able to stop.

Are you sure you're not thinking of fixed gear bikes as opposed to clipless pedals? Whole different argument there too..

rp

stetyrrell wrote: »

Are you sure you're not thinking of fixed gear bikes as opposed to clipless pedals? Whole different argument there too..

So how does only having one gear ratio and no freewheel effect my ability to stop?

ThisRegard

rp wrote: »

So how does only having one gear ratio and no freewheel effect my ability to stop?

Because you spend too much time looking at your reflection in store windows to spot potential danger ahead of you. Damn hipsters.

Ole Rodrigo

ThisRegard wrote: »

Because you spend too much time looking at your reflection in store windows to spot potential danger ahead of you. Damn hipsters.

Looking good is good for morale..which, eh, helps if you have to stop suddenly, or something..

dave_o_brien

I think the OP is right.

Wearing lycra spandex should also be banned in urban environments. I mean, if you do hit a child, and you're wearing spandex, think of the mental trauma inflicted upon the child when he/she clocks you in your skinsuit. It's awful, Joe...

thegreek

At the risk of taking this thread into a level of seriousness, I actually have a serious question.

I did a big commute in March, 56k round trip every work day. It was a sponsored thing. However on the last day two mates were good enough to join me. They were both serious cyclists, unlike me, and had full on road bikes.

The thing is that both complained of pains in their left knee at the end of the day. They copped it was that they had little or no experience cycling in the city and it was the unusual amount of unclipping action that caused the pain.

At the start of the month I had realised that actual clips were too much of a distraction and I removed them. I thought about going clipless but dropped the idea when I heard of their woes.

Should I re-think it?

Or alternatively get the pedals that my son has on his fixie which are twice the size of a normal pedal and allow you to push a huge amount of power through the pedal.

Sorry couldn't find an opportunity to stick a smilie in there somewhere.:rolleyes:

John_Rambo

It's a disgrace. What about the children? I believe the children are our future.

Raam

Road pedals are a bit fiddly in the city if you are trying to get away quickly from junctions as you can miss a clip in. SPD ones are much easier to engage if they are double sided.

I think that I would prefer SPD if I was commuting through the city every day.

NeedMoreGears

I find clips ok in the city - I don't have too many junctions/lights to contend with and would only stop about a dozen times or so.

I had only one scary moment when it was a bit difficult to unclip but all that would have happened is the 0kph fall - traffic was stationary at the lights. Not bad for nearly four years. I'd agree with Raam that sometimes clipping back in is a bit fiddly and I've missed more than a few clip-ins.

I have of course completed the mandatory three falls when I got clips first but that was well out of the city.

ghogie91

I think thats utter rubbish, for starters if you are riding so close to cars that you will not have the time to brake if a child runs out then your the one causing the danger. Any good cyclist knows to keep out from cars for the fact there may be kids running out or even doors opened, I can assure you some will clock you with a door well before you have a kid running out in front of you. And as stated above if you keep your brakes right and in the event of a child running out in front of you, you hit the brakes and hurt yourself.

As for the pedals, how long has OP been clipped in? Its so much better to be clipped in, we live in a wet country, how many times has your foot slipped off a platform when trying to accelerate? I normally take off with my right foot, if i wasnt clipped in and my foot slipped it would make me swerve to the right and into lanes of traffic travelling both ways, and not to mention if you are used to clipless pedals, you flick your foot out without even noticing, I am arriving at traffic lights having clipped out totally by habit, dont even have to think about it anymore

So your point is wrong and ridiculous my friend

dave_o_brien

ghogie91 wrote: »

I think thats utter rubbish, for starters if you are riding so close to cars that you will not have the time to brake if a child runs out then your the one causing the danger. Any good cyclist knows to keep out from cars for the fact there may be kids running out or even doors opened, I can assure you some will clock you with a door well before you have a kid running out in front of you. And as stated above if you keep your brakes right and in the event of a child running out in front of you, you hit the brakes and hurt yourself.

As for the pedals, how long has OP been clipped in? Its so much better to be clipped in, we live in a wet country, how many times has your foot slipped off a platform when trying to accelerate? I normally take off with my right foot, if i wasnt clipped in and my foot slipped it would make me swerve to the right and into lanes of traffic travelling both ways, and not to mention if you are used to clipless pedals, you flick your foot out without even noticing, I am arriving at traffic lights having clipped out totally by habit, dont even have to think about it anymore

So your point is wrong and ridiculous my friend

No, he is, in fact, correct.

Thinking about it now, I'm surprised that manual cars are still legal. I mean, if you have to perform an emergency stop and forget to push the clutch, your car will cut out. Then the delay caused by having to restart the engine is just catastrophic to our traffic speeds, causing massive back ups and increased blood pressure induced by road rage. It's a disgrace, frankly.





Just can't shake that Friday feeling...

seamus

Aw man, how did I miss this thread?

Serious answer: Road clipless pedals are a pain in the ass in city traffic unless you're a very confident trackstander. At least 25% of the time you will look like a pleb trying to pull away from lights and clip in at the same time.

MTB SPDs being double-sided have basically no clipping-in issues. I don't even think about it anymore, just point my foot at the pedal and it clips in. Any loss in security or efficiency is more than compensated for by speedy acceleration away from lights.

MTB shoes and cleats are also far more durable and comfortable to walk in.

Raam

seamus wrote: »

Aw man, how did I miss this thread?

Probably stuck somewhere trying to clip back into your pedals after taking out some kid on the road.

ghogie91

dave_o_brien wrote: »

No, he is, in fact, correct.

Thinking about it now, I'm surprised that manual cars are still legal. I mean, if you have to perform an emergency stop and forget to push the clutch, your car will cut out. Then the delay caused by having to restart the engine is just catastrophic to our traffic speeds, causing massive back ups and increased blood pressure induced by road rage. It's a disgrace, frankly.





Just can't shake that Friday feeling...

I dont think the OP was talking about an Automatic car, in my opinion trying to compare an auto car to a bike is a pointless exercise

dave_o_brien

ghogie91 wrote: »

I dont think the OP was talking about an Automatic car, in my opinion trying to compare an auto car to a bike is a pointless exercise

I'm as serious as the op, MickeyTake, deserved to be taken, and demand to be taken as such.

Rew

How did a troll manage to get 3 pages of replies to such an obvious trolling post and with such an obvious trolling name?!

Raam

Rew wrote: »

How did a troll manage to get 3 pages of replies to such an obvious trolling post?!

Cos we all love being trolled. Seriously.

dave_o_brien

Rew wrote: »

How did a troll manage to get 3 pages of replies to such an obvious trolling post and with such an obvious trolling name?!

What you call a trolling post, many here call a soapbox. Climb up on to it? Glad to!

Beasty

Rew wrote: »

How did a troll manage to get 3 pages of replies to such an obvious trolling post and with such an obvious trolling name?!

If you think someone's trolling, report the post - do not make such accusations in-thread as that's back-seat modding

Now back on topic

Thanks

Beasty