Abstract: A man-powered braking apparatus which uses rocking motion to switch over between the braking state and the releasing state, assures smooth operation, and minimizes the reduction in braking force when the braking lever is returned. When the force to the braking lever 20 is removed, the braking state in which the pawl member 40 is engaged with the ratchet plate 12 is maintained. When the force is removed, the power transmission pin 25 is moved, being kept fitted into the cam groove 52 in the transmission link member 50, and is shifted from the force transmission cam groove 53 to the release holding cam groove 54, the transmission link member 50 being turned to the releasing position, and the pawl member 40 is brought into the state in which it is energized in the direction for being disengaged from the ratchet plate 12 while the braking state being maintained.