Meet the 19th-century disease that kept women from cycling

By the late 19th century, the use of bicycles as a means of transportation and leisure was already widespread in some countries. Women were also increasingly adhering to the use of the two-wheeled vehicle, which became one of the first signs of independence and feminism.

Perhaps this is why a bicycle-related “illness” mysteriously arose, making them feel afraid to ride the bike again. The condition was named with something like the "bicycle face, " which doctors began to warn could happen to the cycling girls.

But what was that exactly? According to doctors at the time, excessive pedaling, two-wheeled upright position and an unconscious effort to maintain balance could produce a tired and exhausted expression in women: the so-called “bicycle face”. And, you see, this condition was more alerted to the female audience.

This description was even documented in the medical journal Literary Digest in 1895, according to an article by Joseph Stromberg of Vox. Experts of that period also reported that the condition made women flushed but sometimes pale, with slightly deformed lips, dark circles and tired expression.

Want more? The condition was further described as leaving women with a rigid and tight jaw and bulging eyes. Was this all a kind of male “repression” so women wouldn't have fun and get around with their bikes anymore? Probably, yes, as a way for them to cut off the wings of the girls who wanted to be more independent.

The invention of a disease

A mention of this "disease" also appeared in 1897 in the National Review medical journal, in which British physician A. Shadwell warned of the dangers of cycling, especially for women, describing "cycling as a fashion craze has been experienced. by people who are not fit to do it. "

In addition, some said that the condition was permanent, while others argued that if one spent time away from the bicycle the symptoms of the disease would diminish. Among the Jews, it was still warned that riding a bicycle on Sunday was certainly guilt and conviction.

Maybe at the time that terrified a lot of women, but obviously, the “bike face” disease wasn't real, which leads us to the question: why were doctors so worried about it? Pressure from husbands, parents and an entire society?

As we said earlier, it was more or less that. In 1890, in Europe and North America, bicycles came to be seen by many as an instrument of feminism. The vehicle gave women greater mobility, as well as a redefinition of femininity, attitude and even fashion. For men, it was just another "toy", but for them the bicycle opened a new world full of perspectives.

As it should be, especially at that time, the reaction of doctors and men of society was not positive and, therefore, created several reasons to dissuade the woman, inventing that riding a bicycle was not good. They said it was very exhausting and inappropriate for them.

Doctors also claimed that the use of the vehicle not only caused “bicycle face” disease but also caused tiredness, insomnia, palpitations, headaches and depression. However, as early as 1897, Chicago physician Sarah Stevenson Hackett stated that cycling was not harmful and actually improved health.

This may have relieved some women, but probably the myth of the “bicycle face” disease still lingered for many years, making them afraid to ride.