Understanding MTB Pedals This question is bugging me for a very long time. Look at the picture below.


Notice the area I have denoted with red circles. What is that? Does it represent something? Maybe something like position! If it represents position, which one is the right one? Should I pedal with that part in front or back? Why is that part on only side and not the other?
That's for mounting straps on the pedal. Here's a picture of a pedal with the straps on it: 



Which side of the pedal should you use? On some pedals, one side has an axis that protrudes a bit, and the other side is flat; the latter is the one you should use. However, if both sides of the pedal are flat, feel free to use either side of the pedal.