Lloyd, that fender will work just fine. As an architect/designer, you should know that the tire won't get any closer to the fender at any other point in its rotation (from the picture).

LA: a quarter turn looks really sketchy.

There's a better copy of the image here, where it's more obvious that there's clearance:

http://blog.modernmechanix.com/mags/qf/c/ModernMechanix/11-1934/lrg_eccentric_bike.jpg

OK I did my own drawing of it and retract the comment about the fender.

Maybe the fender is also the brake?
I'd love to have my bike shop guy build a rear wheel for that thing!!

vsk

Same principle, mucho bigger wheels:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27047646@N00/335395226/

:) This thing looked amazing in real life, and we had much discussion about how efficient it would be energy use wise - consensus being not very, though a great form of exercise!

I suppose it's interesting to note that I've seen a modern one! A few years back I saw a scooter that used this method to more forward that was made in China. Neat idea, although a little tiring.

I have tried a modern version of this type of .. thing.

It's fun and all but not practical. Once you start gaining speed you go up and down waaaay to much. It's also increasingly harder to keep the rhythm.

These scooters are quite common, I thought that every kid knew about them. Looks like my neighbourhood was the only one to have them everywhere (in the 80s).
They're fun but not the easiest ride (well, I found anyway), a little like riding a "snakeboard".
Great idea though & I'd like to see more around to shake up the razor-scooter scene.