Back in January, I posted The Complicator's Gloves, which was an example of what happens when Complicators get a chance to design something other than software. Recently, a reader pointed me to a fun article on the BBC about a software engineer who decided to “solve” the 150-year old “problem” of the bicycle. I couldn’t resist sharing it with all of you …



1: The back cog drives the back wheel chain, which unlike on a normal bike can turn either way when the back handlebar is steered.

2:Back handlebar which steers the back wheel and has a rear light.

3:Front handlebar which steers the front wheel and has a light and rear-view mirror.

4:Pedals are at right angles to the wheels.

5:The seat is shaped like an upside-down crescent.

6:This frame goes over the lap of the cyclist, but can go under if preferred.

From the BBC article (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6375259.stm),

The cyclist sits sideways and operates a wheel with each hand, and pedalling makes the whole bike travel sideways. "It's a front-to-back balance not a left-to-right like a normal bike. That affords you tremendous grace and motion. It's dance-like. "The advantages are in the motion. It's never going to win you the Tour de France. But it's mesmerising and entertaining."

Let's hope we never have to work on his code.