When I learned to use a machine, (before the dawn of time) electric or treadle, you never started from a dead stop -- you had to pull the wheel forward. That is what the wheel was for. I still tend to start that way even though it is not necessary and the wheel is not as easy to grab ahold of. Although it is a bit buried, my hand just goes there when I start. My Mom would never have allowed otherwise as the treadle would go backward, and the electric would just sort of balk or stall.
My mother's electric machine from the 1920's is still in use as is the treadle we had at the cottage where the electicity was unreliable and new school clothes were made in August. Being able to make the treadle work (go forward) was always a thrill for my children.