Commemorative statue honors Tynemouth's rich cycling history
A New Iconic Sculpture Celebrates Tynemouth's Cycling Heritage
A striking new sculpture, titled Life's Adventure, has been unveiled in Tynemouth, marking a significant milestone for the famous Coast to Coast cycling route. The sculpture, created by renowned North East sculptor Ray Lonsdale, serves as an iconic landmark for cyclists embarking on or completing this long-distance cross-country trek[1][2].
The sculpture, a giant steel bench adorned with a 1.8-meter vintage bicycle, is situated on the clifftops overlooking the Tynemouth seafront, near Tynemouth Rowing Club[1]. It celebrates the area's strong connection to active travel and cycling culture[1][2].
Community Collaboration at the Heart of the Project
The design and creation of the sculpture involved extensive local participation. Community groups such as Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, Tynemouth Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Cullercoats Methodist Art Group, Linskill Scribblers, and Linskill Riders took part in workshops[2]. A public drop-in session was held at the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House Museum, and an online survey targeted residents and cyclists[2].
Local creativity was also showcased, with the Linskill Scribblers contributing a poem engraved on the sculpture's back panel[2]. These activities ensured that the sculpture was shaped by local stories, ideas, and creative input, creating a meaningful monument to cycling and the community's heritage[2].
Funding and Partnerships
The project was supported by regional partnerships including North Tyneside Council, North East Combined Authority, Sustrans, and Destination North East England[1]. It was funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to enhance local pride and opportunities[1].
Exploring the Region Sustainably
The sculpture is intended to inspire more people to explore the region on wheels or on foot. In line with this, the Destination Development Partnership is funding a corridor of e-bike charging points at key landmarks and attractions along the coast from Durham to Northumberland[1].
Laura Freer, Assistant Director of Visitor Economy at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, expressed confidence that the sculpture will inspire even more people to choose sustainable, regenerative ways to explore the region[1]. The North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, praised the sculpture for showcasing the region's creative talents and celebrating Tynemouth's cycling heritage[1].
Six Cycle Paths Converge in Tynemouth
The sculpture stands at the convergence of six long-distance cycle paths on the National Cycle Network. These include the Coast to Coast (Whitehaven - Tynemouth), The Reivers Route (Tynemouth - Whitehaven), Hadrian's Cycleway (NCN 72), National Cycle Network route 1 (NCN1), Coast and Castles (Newcastle to Berwick-upon-Tweed), and North Sea Cycle Route (Eurovelo 12)[2].
An information board and QR code adjacent to the artwork provide details about the local walking, wheeling, and cycling network[2].
In conclusion, Life's Adventure is both a tribute to Tynemouth's prominence on the Coast to Coast cycling route and a product of broad community collaboration, reflecting local history, cycling passion, and coastal identity[1][2]. The Destination North East England is hopeful that the sculpture will become a focal point for visitors to Tyneside and beyond.
[1] North East England Tourism Website [2] Tynemouth Council News Release
The sculpture, titled "Life's Adventure," not only honors Tynemouth's cycling heritage along the Coast to Coast route, but also reflects the area's active travel lifestyle and strong cycling culture, as it was shaped by local communities during the design and creation process. Inspired by the sculpture, the Destination North East England is promoting sustainable exploration of the region by funding e-bike charging points and encouraging travel by bicycle or foot.
