This volume investigates the mechanical evolution and functional design of bicycles and motorcycles as primary modes of personal transport. The author, Michael Worthing-Williams, provides a technical overview of the engineering principles that distinguish these two-wheeled vehicles. By examining historical developments and mechanical components, the text serves as a foundational guide for understanding the mechanics of human-powered and motorized cycles.

The text functions as a concise, introductory technical survey suitable for readers interested in the mechanical history of two-wheeled transport. Its focus on fundamental engineering principles provides a clear, accessible framework for understanding the transition from pedal-driven cycles to motorized machines.