Are bicycles becoming the new pop culture aphrodisiac? It seems that every time a commercial wants to communicate romance in two seconds or less, they pan over to a couple riding bicycles.

For example, in a new Air New Zealand commercial (not yet YouTubed fortunately for you), a dashing fellow on an airplane remembers riding bikes and dining out with his young lady love. And in a Helzberg Contrex – Contrexperience (English Version). 

This somewhat silly French Contrex advert illustrates a novel way to stay in shape.

Diamonds spot hitting TV screens these days, yet another beaming duo is seen pedalling slowly to an off-screen bliss. And of course, France is blowing the lid off of the trend with this crazy thing (at right) which scored over a million viewers when it went viral on YouTube just over a month ago.

More and more, it seems, the advertising world is catching on to the sea change going on in people’s opinions and impressions of bikes. By the evidence, the same sort of thing happened back in the 70s during the last bike boom too. Back then bikes were “Kool.”

It makes sense that we’re seeing this trend come back into play now, what with new tactics and demands from the 100 or so well-organized urban bike advocacy organizations across the country. And maybe it will stay around this time.

There are even car manufacturers running commercials that tell drivers to share the road with bikes.

he din is even reaching the ears of car manufacturers, evidence this Kia ad that actually tells drivers to share the road.

And we’re not the only outlet noting the uptick, check out articles from Portlandize and Veloreviews.

If you’re seeing commercials out there for anything that also happen to include bikes, share them with via email or on Facebook!