To cleat or not to cleat?

[Catrin]

I only used BMX pedals because I couldn't keep my feet on more traditional platform pedals. I might actually return to them this summer if I start commuting more regularly than last year, but that is beside the point.

Bonnie - riding is the only thing that makes you a "real"cyclist - what pedals you choose to ride has nothing to do with it Sadly there are those who insist this is the case but it isn't. Ride, do what makes you feel safe, and just keep riding. If you decide at a later time to take on clipless pedals then great, but it isn't something that MUST happen. Your body has enough to learn right now, get the basics of riding into your muscle memory before making that transition.

Also, regular athletic shoes will likely eventually cause problems because they aren't stiff enough and will collapse around your feet which creates pressure points. When I ride my BMX pedals I typically wear my Keen Commuter sandals - I do NOT like them for clipping in (too soft for that in my opinion) - but they are great for platform pedals. They are nice and stiff without being too stiff to walk in, and they have lots of ventilation Mine look like this, though not exactly, they are close. The brand/type doesn't matter, having a stiffer sole does so take that into consideration. It will matter as you start to ride longer distances, though right now regular athletic shoes are probably fine.

If you decide to stick with platform pedals for awhile, you might want to consider something like these Lambda Pedals - they provide a nice base for your feet and from what I hear are grippier than some platform pedals. Unlike my BMX pedals they don't have spikes and you won't have to worry about scars from pedal-slap. I would have tried them in the beginning if I had known about them at the time. Examine your options! Personally I never cared for the campus pedal solution - I was never able to keep my feet on the platform side.

Congratulations on starting the wonderful adventure of cycling and keep us posted!