A bicycle pedal is the essential component a rider pushes to propel the vehicle, connecting their foot to the crank and ultimately the wheels. Initially, pedals directly drove the front wheel, but their function was revolutionized with the advent of the safety bicycle, which used a roller chain to transmit power to the driven wheel.

Modern pedals are broadly categorized into flat/platform and quill designs, each suiting different cycling styles. Flat/platform pedals, commonly found in mountain biking (MTB) and BMX, offer a large surface area, often featuring metal studs for enhanced grip, and come in various materials like plastic, aluminum, or magnesium. Riders can further secure their feet using toe clips (a basket-and-strap system) or specialized clipless pedals, which require compatible shoes with built-in bindings for maximum control. While quill pedals offer a traditional platform with parallel cage plates, advanced clipless and durable platform pedals remain popular choices across diverse cycling disciplines.