Truth or rumor, what was bicycle face disease, why were women at risk?:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Over time, humans gradually learned about many new diseases, such as chickenpox, smallpox, and cancer. But in the 19th century, a strange and unusual disease emerged in Europe called bicycle face.

Doctors said this condition only affected women. But was it a real disease or just a hoax? In fact, with the invention of the bicycle in the West, women began to progress and gain independence. To curtail this freedom, the disease of bicycle face was invented in local societies to discourage women from riding bicycles for fear of contracting it. So, let us tell you about this fascinating story.

What was Bicycle Face disease?

Bicycle face disease claimed that riding a bicycle would cause women's eyes to bulge out, their chins to become thin and distorted, their appearance to become tired, their complexion to fade, and their appearance to become unattractive. In fact, none of these claims were true; they were all just rumors. False reports about this condition were spread to discourage women from cycling. Furthermore, many doctors claimed that women who cycled would experience a decline in fertility over time.

Why was this rumour spread?

There were several reasons for spreading this rumor in 19th-century Europe. In fact, with the invention of the bicycle, women began riding it, which gave them independence. Along with cycling, women's freedom was also emphasized, and they learned to venture outside the home. Furthermore, cycling also led to changes in women's clothing. Women began to wear proper pants and shirts, replacing traditional skirts for cycling. At that time, the bicycle was considered a symbol of feminism, a move that defied Victorian norms and advocated for women's freedom. Therefore, this propaganda was used to undermine women's freedom.