Resurging interests in cycling

Once the world's reigning bicycle kingdom, China is reclaiming its interest in the pedaling vehicle, a mode of transport that for decades was considered a tool used by the poor.

Since the beginning of the century, an emerging Chinese middle class has foregone the clean and energy-efficient vehicle in favor of automobiles, signaling the end of its status as a dominion of two wheels. At one point across China, there was one bicycle for every three inhabitants.

There is a resurgence of interest in bicycles in China, with 20 million cyclists logged in the country, according to a report released by the China Cycling Association, which organized the annual China International Bicycle Fair earlier in May in Shanghai.