China falls back in love with the bicycle

The humble bicycle, for decades the workhorse of the Communist proletariat, is this year's surprise fashion accessory in China. 

 The rivers of cyclists that used to flow through Chinese cities, all mounted on sturdy Flying Pigeon bikes and wearing monochrome Mao suits, have long dried up.

Instead, for two decades China has been a nation of drivers, embracing the car the point of gridlock and even outlawing bicycles from key thoroughfares in Shanghai.

But for a new generation of Chinese, inspired by the West and Japan, the bicycle is once again in vogue. This year, colourful custom-made bikes have adorned the shop windows of Shanghai's trendiest boutiques as well as advertising campaigns for brands like Lee and Levi's.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8762228/China-falls-back-in-love-with-the-bicycle.html