ABSTRACT
The popularity of cycling as a recreational, competitive and transportation activity, especially in developing countries, continues to grow. In 1990 more than 56 million persons rode their bicycles six or more times within the year in the United States (Burke, 1996). In Germany about 700,000 people participate in indoor-cycling each week (Rudack et al., 2001). In the Netherlands and China around 50% of daily trips for all purposes are made by bicycle (Director-General of Transport South Australia, 1995). In Britain, there are an estimated 20 million owners of bicycles which people use for various purposes (Lumsdon, 1994). In York, 20% of all journeys to work are by bicycle (Bhopal and Unwin, 1995). Health promotion, cheap transport, leisure and competition are some reasons for cycling. The negative effects, if any, of the cycling position on the spine (posture) of the cyclist, especially while using a racing bike, remains to be properly evaluated.
