The 19th-Century Health Scare That Told Women To Worry About 'Bicycle Face'

Once upon a time, the main danger associated with bicycling had nothing to do with being hit by a car. Instead, some late 19th century doctors warned that - especially for women - using the newfangled contraption could lead to a threatening medical condition: bicycle face.

Over-exertion, the upright position on the wheel, and the unconscious effort to maintain one's balance tend to produce a wearied and exhausted 'bicycle face,' noted the Literary Digest in 1895. It went on to describe the condition: 'usually flushed, but sometimes pale, often with lips more or less drawn, and the beginning of dark shadows under the eyes, and always with an expression of weariness.'