A pedal is a lever that is operated by the foot to control a machine or vehicle. In bicycles, for example, pedals are attached to the crankset and allow the rider to propel the bike forward by pushing down with their feet. Pedals can also be found in musical instruments, such as pianos, where they modify the sound produced. In vehicles like cars, pedals are used to control acceleration, braking, and clutch engagement. The accelerator pedal increases speed, the brake pedal slows down or stops the vehicle, and the clutch pedal is used in manual transmissions to change gears. Each pedal plays a crucial role in the operation of the vehicle.