According to the Earth Policy Institute, a US-based environmental advocacy group, bicycle production quadrupled between 1950 and 2007. During the same period, car production merely doubled.

It's a trend that continues to this day, accelerated by rising fuel prices and urban congestion.

During the last 10 years, the bicycle has enjoyed something of a renaissance, thanks to ever-greater availability of lightweight materials, advanced safety and comfort features. Bicycles are becoming more beautiful, too.

Small manufacturers, custom shops and independent designers are reinventing the humble two-wheeler with cutting-edge shapes and technologies.

A French designer, BSG Wood, makes them in polished wood with details in aluminium to keep down the weight. Vanmoof in The Netherlands makes them even with disk brakes. Donky Bike from the UK produces the lorry version of the traditional bike, with a load-bearing steel beam, upon which are mounted front and rear cargo racks. Velonia from Estonia is all about striking abstract design on two wheels. In Singapore GreenChamp makes bikes of bamboo - obviously.

All nations are giving colourful, inventive contribution to this evergreen item that promises to become a must for everyone.