The return of the bicycle

The bicycle is making a comeback in France, figures reveal.

Last year, more than 3million bicycles were sold in France, Franceinfo reports, as residents take advantage of the proliferation in cycle paths in towns and cities across the country.

The electric bicycle has proved particularly popular. In 2016, 130,000 people opted to buy the power-assisted two-wheel vehicle - a 30% increase in year-on-year sales.

Meanwhile, the number of cycle hire schemes is also rising. A total 36 towns and cities now offer services similar to Paris's Velib' scheme, which was launched in 2007.

The Paris scheme itself followed Lyon's Vélo'v success and a pioneering 1974 scheme in La Rochelle.