After using flat pedals for years, I'm thinking about moving to clipless pedals and looking for a pedal that I can get out of as fast as possible in the event of a nutter driver/van etc trying to cut me off in the middle of London traffic.

Is there anything brand/model that any of you would recommend speedplay or other wise?

Many thanks.

I'd go for Time on that front myself. Great action both in terms of retention and release. Also, widely available, pretty cheap and very well made.

Is being able to engage the pedal on either side an advantage? Does the Time (anyone in particular Carlos?)allow you to do that?

i've run times and speedplays, the downsides of the speedplays are the cost not just of the pedals i had the stainless frogs but also cleats.
there great pedals with plenty of float but i found i prefered a bigger platform, so have gone back to times.
through choice i'd opt for times and save a few £'s

Yep, being able to clip in to both sides is a major plus. Soon enough you'll just clip in without thinking.

For commuting, you might want to try one of the bigger platform Times though, like these beasties...

thats exactly what i'm using at the moment carlos

Ah yes, I got wrapped up in being able to use the pedals quickly that I forgot about the platform size?
Scarily, when I was at Evans , they suggested Time pedals too. Is it possible they got it right first time?
The Time link looks like a good start for my newbie status.

Scary if only because Evans got ANYTHING right.

Do yourself a favour and boycott them. Have a search on the forum to see why!

What part of London are you? I'll see if I can recommend a good shop for you.

Don't worry, I do avoid them.
I'm in Battersea but I pass Condor cycles everyday so I could try them out there if they've got it.

Condor are very good people, very good indeed.

Should have what you need there.

Close to home, I'd recommend Putney Cycles. The chaps there run a really nice little shop.

I'll check Putney out on the weekend. Thanks again.