backpedal (v.)

"to or toward the rear or the original starting place; in the past; behind in position," literally or figuratively, late 14c., shortened from abak, from Old English on bæc "backwards, behind, aback" (see back (n.), and compare aback). To give (something) back is to give it again, to give it in the opposite direction to that in which it was formerly given. Adverbial phrase back and forth is attested by 1814.

"to work with a pedal, use the pedals," 1866 of musical organs, 1888 of bicycles, from pedal (n.). Related: Pedaled; pedaling.