Algebra and Topology in Interaction
UC Davis - MSRI Conference in honor of Professor Dmitry Fuchs on the occasion of his 70th Anniversary
September 11 - 13, 2009 at UC Davis

Free Public Lecture: Flavors of "bicycle mathematics"

  • Given the front and rear wheel tracks, can one always tell which way the bicycle went?
  • Given a closed front wheel track, can one ride the bike so that the rear wheel track closes up as well?
  • Can one ride the bike so that the rear wheel traks coincides with the front wheel one, without going straight?
Using a mathematical model for a bicycle, we shall explore these problems, some of which are still open! This lecture is free and open to the public.

Download the flyer here.
Speaker: S. Tabachnikov, Pennsylvania State University
Date: September 11, 2009 (Friday).
Time: 5:15 - 6:15 p.m. (followed by a math film from 6:25 - 6:55 pm)
Place: 123 Sciences Lecture Hall, north of Hutchison

Following the events is a BBQ dinner ($10) at the Mathematical Sciences Building from 7 - 8 pm.

Parking is available in the West Enttry Parking Structure on Hutchison (west of the Sciences Lecture Hall). According to TAPS, parking is free after 5 pm on September 11, 2009.