Born To Ride A Story About Bicycle Face
Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation worldwide. They are an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and healthy way to travel. However, back in the late 1800s, people were skeptical about this invention. There were many myths and rumors about bicycles being dangerous for women, and one of them was "bicycle face."
What is Bicycle Face?
The term "bicycle face" was coined by a doctor named A.A. King in 1895. He claimed that the strain of riding a bicycle could cause a woman's face to become distorted permanently, and this would lead to health problems. According to him, the facial expression of women who rode bicycles for long periods was a combination of anxiety, fatigue, and determination.
He warned that this facial distortion could be severe enough to cause harm to the riders' health, as the muscles in the face could become permanently set in a strange position. He also claimed that this facial distortion was a sign of weakness and that women who rode bicycles were putting themselves in danger.
Debunking the Myth
Despite the widespread belief in "bicycle face," there was no scientific evidence to support it. In fact, many women who rode bicycles during that time reported feeling happy and healthy. They enjoyed the freedom and independence that came with this new mode of transportation.
Moreover, many women used bicycles as a way to challenge the restrictive gender roles of that era. They saw it as a way to break free from the traditional expectations of what women could or couldn't do.
The Legacy of "Bicycle Face"
The "bicycle face" myth did not last long. As more and more women took up cycling, it became apparent that there was no truth to it. Nevertheless, the myth had a lasting impact on the perception of women's cycling.
It was just one of many ways in which women's cycling was stigmatized, and it took a long time for women to overcome these prejudices. Today, women's cycling is an integral part of the sport, and women cyclists are celebrated for their achievements and accomplishments.
Conclusion
"Bicycle face" was a ridiculous myth that was used to discourage women from cycling. It was just one of many ways in which women's cycling was stigmatized. However, women refused to be deterred by these prejudices, and they continued to ride bicycles. Today, women's cycling is a thriving sport, and women cyclists are an inspiration to many.