Since the first crank driven cycles, pedals have been required for riders to apply pressure throughout the cranks revolution.

There is the exception of alternative drives, like treadles and other linear action.

Prior to Speedplay being taken over by Wahoo, their website had an interactive pedal museum which was archived and includes these timelines:

• Bicycle Pedal Timeline from the 1860’s to 1990’s
• Quill/Platform Pedal Gallery
• Clipless Road Pedal Gallery – 1970-1998 (excludes current designs)
• MTB Specific Clipless Pedal Gallery
• Toe Clips, Toe Straps and Shoe Cleats Gallery

As time permits, I hope to extend these digital collections and be able to include them in Cycling Compendium.