Tynemouth's cycling history is commemorated through a new sculpture
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In the picturesque town of Tynemouth, North East England, a new landmark has been unveiled. The large-scale steel sculpture, titled "The End of the Coast to Coast Routes," is more than just a work of art; it's a celebration of the town's cycling heritage and a nod to its significant location on the National Cycle Network (NCN).
The sculpture, which features a 1.8-meter vintage bicycle and a striking steel bench, was developed with the help of Destination North East England, North East Combined Authority, North Tyneside Council, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Visit Northumberland, and local community groups such as the Linskill Scribblers, Tynemouth Sea Scouts, Cubs, and Beavers.
Local artists, including Ray Lonsdale and members of Cullercoats Methodist Art Group, contributed their talents to the bench's design. The back panel, for instance, showcases a poem inspired by the Linskill Scribblers, while the designs for the bench were contributed by members of the Cullercoats Methodist Art Group.
The sculpture marks the point where six long-distance cycle paths meet on the NCN. These routes 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).
The sculpture is part of an initiative to promote active travel and inspire more people to explore the region on wheels or on foot. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness expressed support for the sculpture, stating that it showcases the region's creative talents and celebrates Tynemouth's cycling heritage.
Laura Freer, Assistant Director of Visitor Economy at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, expressed confidence that the sculpture will become a focal point for visitors to Tyneside and beyond. To facilitate this, an information board and QR code adjacent to the artwork provide details about the local walking, wheeling, and cycling network.
The Destination Development Partnership is also funding a corridor of e-bike charging points at key landmarks and attractions along the coast from Durham to Northumberland, further encouraging active travel in the region.
Ray Lonsdale, the artist behind the sculpture, is known for his public artworks such as "Herring Girl" in North Shields and "Big Fella" in Silloth. He was inspired to create the sculpture due to his personal interest in cycling.
With its stunning location on the clifftops overlooking the seafront, "The End of the Coast to Coast Routes" is poised to become a must-see destination for tourists and locals alike, encouraging visitors to stay longer in Tynemouth and explore the region's rich cycling network.
The unveiling of "The End of the Coast to Coast Routes" sculpture in Tynemouth is a nod to sustainable living, as it promotes active travel and encourages exploration of the region by bicycle and foot. In conjunction with this, the town's lifestyle, home-and-garden scene could benefit from an increased focus on supporting local artists and community groups like the Linskill Scribblers, Tynemouth Sea Scouts, and Cullercoats Methodist Art Group.
