Take a look at just about any pic from this time, most people rode whatever bike they were handed, (unless you were rich) it wasn't like today getting the perfect sized bike, you got what you got, and that was about it.
BTW, I had those bars on my 1910 Racycle, they had a bolt that allowed you to ride them upright in comfortable position, or down low in a track like position! They were great!

It looks like that guy has a foot on the curb

maybe? but I think not, the pedal appears to be higher than the curb and the spokes seem a bit blurry, like the kid was actually riding slowly by as the photographer snapped the pic.

no foot retention or brake...

They look as clear as any spokes could in a picture that old. I think the other guy may be holding on to the handlebars as well.

funny. im sitting here wishing i lived then. :(

we must be looking at two different pics as there is no one but a kid on a bike in the pic I'm talking about.

Is this the bottom left corner?

http://uploaded.interestingnonethele...c/4a05273a.jpg

Nah, I was talking about this pic.


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ipsterbaby.jpg