Tynemouth's cycling history gets a symbolic commemoration through a new sculpture.
New Steel Sculpture in Tynemouth Celebrates Cycling Heritage and Active Travel
A new steel sculpture, titled "Life's Adventure", has been unveiled in Tynemouth, marking the end of six long-distance cycle paths on the National Cycle Network. The sculpture, located on a grassy headland overlooking the North Sea near the Tynemouth seafront, is more than just a landmark for cyclists - it's a testament to the region's creative talents and active travel credentials[1][3].
The sculpture, designed by artist Ray Lonsdale, features a giant park bench adorned with local scenes and a 1.8-meter vintage bicycle[2]. The design process was a collaborative effort, involving workshops, surveys, and creative contributions from local residents and groups[1]. Cullercoats Methodist Art Group, for instance, contributed designs for the bench's back panel[4].
The Linskill Scribblers, a local writing group, even inspired a poem for the back panel of the sculpture[5]. Young people from Tynemouth Sea Scouts, Cubs, and Beavers groups also contributed their ideas about a fictional bike journey[7].
The sculpture is funded by the Destination Development Partnership and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund[6]. It's part of a larger initiative to attract visitors, encourage exploration of local cycle routes, and celebrate the intersection of six long-distance cycle paths[1][3].
The sculpture is strategically placed at Tynemouth, a significant location for the National Cycle Network, where six long-distance routes meet: 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)[8].
The sculpture is intended to inspire more people to explore the region on wheels or on foot, as stated by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Laura Freer, Assistant Director of Visitor Economy at NewcastleGateshead Initiative[1][3]. An information board and QR code adjacent to the artwork provide details about the local walking, wheeling, and cycling network[9].
This isn't the first large-scale steel sculpture by Ray Lonsdale. He is known for public artworks such as 'Herring Girl' in North Shields and 'Big Fella' in Silloth[4]. With "Life's Adventure", he has created a new focal point for popular cycle routes, showcasing Tynemouth's cycling heritage and promoting active travel[1].
[1] North East Mayor praises new Tynemouth sculpture [2] North East sculptor creates new focal point for popular cycle routes [3] Tynemouth sculpture celebrates cycling heritage and active travel [4] Ray Lonsdale creates giant steel bicycle for Tynemouth [5] Local writing group inspires poem for Tynemouth sculpture [6] UK Government funds new Tynemouth sculpture [7] Young people contribute ideas for Tynemouth sculpture [8] Tynemouth sculpture marks intersection of six long-distance cycle paths [9] Information board and QR code provide details about local walking, wheeling, and cycling network
This new steel sculpture, titled "Life's Adventure," not only serves as a landmark for cyclists but also represents Tynemouth's active travel credentials and promotes outdoor-living. Situated within the home-and-garden of the region, the sculpture invites locals and visitors alike to engage in sports such as cycling and explore the surrounding areas on wheels or on foot.
