Build For Tomorrow Bicycles Were A Misogynist's Nightmare
Jun 8, 2017
Discover how the bicycle, once feared for inciting madness and moral decline in women, sparked cultural anxieties in 19th-century England. Explore the transformation of public perception as bicycles evolved from symbols of chaos to agents of mental well-being and independence. Delve into the historical battles against gender norms and see parallels with today’s societal debates on women's rights. Uncover the fascinating journey of this two-wheeled invention and its profound impact on society and culture.
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Bicycle Blamed for Insanity
- In 1894 England, the bicycle was blamed for causing insanity and homicidal mania.
- Doctors believed watching the wheel made riders' minds "reason in a circle," leading to madness.
Bicycle as a Cure for Insanity
- By 1897 American doctors used bicycles to relieve mental tension and treat insanity.
- The bicycle went from a cause of lunacy to a therapeutic tool within a few years.
Early Bicycle Challenges
- Early bicycles like the Bone Shaker were uncomfortable and dangerous.
- Riders were mocked and risked