The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-04-08
BIKE DEFORMITIES.
Some OF the Effects Of Too Close
Devotion to the Wheel
The Humxn Form Divine Distorted
and Rendered Unsightly by Ex-
cessiye Indulgence In
HeslthfrI Exercise

It is agreed by medical men that the
bicycle may produce effects On the
rider of decided benefit to health,
always providing, Of course, the
the machine is used with a due aP-
probation of the injuries which the
wheel is also capable of inhicting.
The subject of this sketch, however,
Is not so much the rider who rides the
wheel properly and obtains benefit
therefrom, as the one who rides for nd
ing's sake and with no regard what
ever for his physical welfare. In other
words, the bicycle 1iend, who rides with
the apparent purpose Of making him
self ridiculous.
OF all the deformities produced by
hiking the strained, nervous expression
known as the bicycle face is most pro-
nounced. 1t is SO common nowadays
that description of it here would be
a waste of valuable space
Another common deformity is the
bicycle back, which is produced by the
cramped, crouching and stoop-shoul-
dered position so much affected by
scorchers. This position cramps the
chest and It's contents, thus limiting the
breathing capacity of the lungs.
The bicycle neck is also becoming
more prominent every day. There are
two common varieties of this deformity.
The first Is produced when the rider
bends forward and lowers his head as
if he were trying to touch the tire of the
forward wheel with his nose. In this
position the riders back and neck de-
scribe a half circle. The other form of
neck Is produced when the rider sits
astride his machine in much the same
position, with the exception that he
holds his head back as far as possible
IN fact, so far that his head and neck
form q right angle with the upper part
of his back.
Bicycle arms may be seen on the
boulevard any pleasant day. The fend
spins along with his back and neck Is
described above and his elbows project
ing outward as far as possible. lie Is
usually so accustomed TO this abnormal
position that he finds it next to impos-
sible to straighten his arms and assume
anv other when not riding.
The hands and wrists also come in for
their share in the general deformity.
The hands are usually held at pro-
nounced angle with the arms, and are
obliged 10 support the entire weight OF
the upper part of the body.
Bicycle legs are also characteristic of
this peculiar specimen. They are usu-
ally llnock-kneed, with an abnormal
development of the calf. The peculiar
position of the feet causes him TO toe in,
producing bicycle toes, similar to pigeon
toes.
AS a result of indiscriminate riding,
scorching and racing, we see n long,
strained and nervous-visaged, crooked
necked, round-shouldered, narrow
chested, backed, lnock-lneed and
pigeon-toed specimen OF humanity.
whose elbows protrude at the times
and whose hands resemble those of
Johanna more nearly than those of any
normal specimen of the genus homo.
Not only does this specimen disfigure
himself, but he Is apt to inJure his eye
sight. French eye specialists have re-
corded numerous cases of visual dis
turbances among bicyclers. The most
common form of the trouble isfound in
those who ride at a very rapid pace and
climb steep hills.
Riders are usually seized with severe
vertigo and a sudden diminutiOn Of
vision in one or both eyes. When the
eyes are examined by an ocuiist traces
of retinal hemorrhage are usually
found.
The heart also suffers as o result Of
scorching and long-distance racing.
From over-acting it may become dila-
ted and very much enlarged, causing
serious trouble. F. Whitmyer, NJ.
D., in y. Y. World.