Linear driving apparatus

A machine powered by a user, comprising:

• a frame;
• at least one drive wheel;
• at least one rotatable driver comprising a pulley or a sprocket, rotatably mounted with respect to the frame, which engages with the drive wheel to rotate the drive wheel;
• a flexible, elongated power transmitter comprising a belt, a chain, or a cable, said transmitter being mounted for reciprocating linear motion with respect to the frame and passing around and engaging the rotatable driver to rotate the driver in at least a first rotational direction, said power transmitter having a first portion and a second portion;
• a first pedal fixedly engaging the first portion of the power transmitter;
• and
• a second pedal fixedly engaging the second portion of the power transmitter, said first and second pedals being mounted to the frame in a manner that permits only non-arcuate, linear reciprocating motion of said pedals with respect to said frame, said second pedal connected to the first pedal such that motion of the first pedal in a first linear direction causes the second pedal in an opposite, second linear direction, and the motion of the first pedal in the second linear direction causes motion of the second pedal in the first linear direction, whereby linear motion of said pedals causes said power transmitter to rotate said rotatable driver and said drive wheel.