Dezeen's top 10 cycling designs of 2015
A bicycle made from oak, a light-reflective spray and a minimal compass that pairs with a smartphone app are among Dezeen social media editor Ross Bryant's favourite cycling-related designs this year.
BeeLine bicycle compass by MAP
London design duo Barber and Osgerby's creative consultancy MAP designed the minimal BeeLine compass to help cyclists find their way without being distracted by smartphone maps.
It uses GPS to point cyclists through the city via a single arrow on its LCD interface and comes with a silicon strap that clips onto the handlebars. Find out more about MAP's BeeLine »
The Hummingbird by Hummingbird Bike Company
Weighing in at just 6.5 kilograms, this carbon-fibre bicycle is lighter than the average watermelon. The Hummingbird Bike Company even described the design as the "world's lightest" folding cycle when it was launched in November.
The back wheel and handlebars of the bike fold under the frame, and the seat post can be lowered for carrying. Find out more about the Hummingbird »
One of the most popular bicycle designs of 2015 comprised a three-piece wooden frame. Each of the concentric diamond-shaped strips of oak was shaped by designer Niko Schmutz to absorb vibration on uneven urban roads.
According to Schmutz, wood is similar to metal in terms of rigidity and is less susceptible to cracking or denting. Find out more about Niko Schmutz's wooden bicycle »
Connected Cyclists by Future Cities Catapult
This concept for an augmented-reality headset features a transparent visor that would flip down from a helmet to provide a layer of digital data in front of the cyclist's eyes.
Realtime information on the rider's surroundings and simple route-finding help could be provided. The team behind the design also proposed projectable blind-spot visualisations for buses and lorries to help prevent collisions. Find out more about Future Cities Catapult's speculative prototypes »
Transport design company Kolelinia launched a three-wheeled vehicle similar to a pedal-powered Segway in April. Halfbike II users stand up while peddling, shifting their bodyweight left or right to change direction while holding a vertical handle.
The aim is to improve the rider's balance, while offering a fun way to navigate city streets. Find out more about the Halfbike II »
Car manufacturer Volvo released a light-reflective spray designed to enhance the visibility of cyclists on city streets after dark. Life Paint comes in a small spray can and consists of a liquid material made up of light-reflective particles.
In the glare of a vehicle's headlights, fabrics and surfaces coated with the spray are transformed into high-visibility objects. Find out more about Volvo's Life Paint »
The London Underline by Gensler
A proposal by architecture firm Gensler to transform London's abandoned tube tunnels into a subterranean network of cycling paths was one of this year's most controversial cycling-related designs.
Each of the paths would generate electricity as people walked and cycled through the tunnels thanks to a paving system called Pavegen. Find out more about the London Underline concept »
Dutch fashion studio ByBrown created this windproof and waterproof dress for style-conscious female cyclists.
Made from a breathable membrane fabric, ByBrown's Raindress was described as the "world's first designer wet-weather dress". Find out more about ByBrown's Raindress »
The Helix bicycle by Peter Boutakis
Conceived to be the world's smallest folding bike, the Helix bicycle's dimensions are 58 centimetres high, 63.5 centimetres across and 23 centimetres wide when fully collapsed.
The front and rear wheels of the Helix are connected to its frame by helical hinges, allowing each to pivot towards the lightweight titanium frame. Find out more about the Helix by Peter Boutakis »
Smart pedal by Connected Cycle
French startup Connected Cycle is taking on thieves with a smart pedal that can notify the owner if their bicycle has been moved.
The prototype pedal features a built-in GPS system that can be linked to a smartphone via the internet. As well as notifying the owner of unusual location changes, the pedal collects data on the rider's speed, route, incline and calories burnt on every trip. Find out more about Connected Cycle's pedal »