They seem to be connected via a universal joint. My view has always been that there are, basically, three modes of operating such a steering column:
Move it up and down to move it out of the way for getting into the seat - especially with handlebars on it.
Move it to the side for minimal input steering.
Rotate it for tighter radius steering.
My own version, admittedly now in a delta, can be seen on the VK3CKC eLecTricks thread. It suited my purposes better. This has the universal-jointed steering column through the main boom and steering the front wheel via cable. The three operating modes still apply although the side-to-side mode will probably be restricted as the steer is lower geared (higher input required for a given steering angle) due to the ratio of the cable winder to the steering pulley.