Systems and methods for ensuring safe gripping or locking and release of a cyclist's shoe by a bicycle pedal are disclosed. The system may comprise a computing device, one or more sensors for detecting change of velocity, one or more sensors for detecting a change of angle of the bicycle, and a pedal with one or more retractable members. The retractable member may be configured to grip or lock in a cyclist's shoe by extending to interlock with a portion or a cavity of the cyclist's shoe, or to release the cyclist's shoe by retracting on receiving a command from the computing device based on inputs from the one or more sensors.