That part is hardened steel, and susceptible to rust on most brands of pedals. Many use stainless steel, but even that can rust. It all depends on the grade of steel used and how much iron content it has, as to how much and how quickly it'll rust. You can use a small wire brush, scotchbrite pad or even steel wool. You'll want to be careful not to scuff other surfaces. If it's just a little surface rust, some WD40 on a rag will do. Then apply a thin coating of grease or Vaseline to protect it. There are more fancy and expensive ways to deal with it, but you don't need them. All raw metal can and will corrode. Probably the most troublesome for bicycles are chains. Keeping them clean and lubed is important.
Thanks! That makes me feel better. I have tried to ride in mild weather and was a little worried.
Onto something really weird.
I decided on a Hexlox kit to secure components which are quick release only bike. Here was some delay and communication before he kit arrived earlier this month. I have not installed it yet, but plan on having it done soon. I'm too nervous about replacing my front skewer and failing to tighten the new one properly.
I had left an undecided but unhappy facebook review on the hexlox page due to response times in communication, with the sidebar I'd edit it upon install and experience with the kit.
So I got a delivery notice today, and discovered a 'gift' had been sent by hexlox.
I was thinking, Maybe an extra key? They cost a lot and it would be appropriate as a gift if a company wanted to smooth over consumer relations.
Oh no, it's a duplicate order!
I'm a bit taken aback and quite creeped out to be honest. Why would they send me two? How can they be making money doing so? Is being creeped out appropriate?
Creepy.
(Creepy update: I took a closer look at the shipping labels. The second package to arrive was sent first classified as a gift, the first to arrive was sent afterwards as an 'other' and described as a bike lock. Values differ on both for value, seems like printed identifying I'd numbers for contents differ too. I'll see if I can't get a picture too.
This keeps getting weirder and weirder.)