As a counterpoint see the marine chronometer for measuring longitude. Clocks had been around for centuries so easy right? [1]
Making something strong/reliable is easy, making something precise is 'easy', making something strong/reliable and precise, oh and preferably lightweight is hard.
You do have a good point about roads though. In fact in the UK the first push to tarmac the roads came from cyclists, not from motorists. And the first tyres were for a certain Mr Dunlops sons bicycle.
As a counterpoint see the marine chronometer for measuring longitude. Clocks had been around for centuries so easy right? [1]
Making something strong/reliable is easy, making something precise is 'easy', making something strong/reliable and precise, oh and preferably lightweight is hard.
You do have a good point about roads though. In fact in the UK the first push to tarmac the roads came from cyclists, not from motorists. And the first tyres were for a certain Mr Dunlops sons bicycle.
[1] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_chronometer