Commemorative work honors Tynemouth's cycling tradition
In the heart of Tynemouth, on the iconic seafront near the Rowing Club, stands a new iconic landmark - "Life's Adventure," a giant steel bench and bicycle sculpture created by renowned North East sculptor, Ray Lonsdale.
This large-scale artwork is a celebration of Tynemouth's significance in the North East cycling scene and its position on the famous Coast to Coast cycling route. The sculpture features a larger-than-life park bench with local scenes depicted and a vintage bicycle, symbolizing a welcoming or finishing point for cyclists on the route.
The sculpture was made possible through funding by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aimed at enhancing local pride and community opportunities. It received additional support and partnership from North Tyneside Council, Destination North East England, North East Combined Authority, Sustrans, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, and Visit Northumberland. This collaborative funding and support base highlights the sculpture's role in boosting tourism, cycling culture, and active travel in the region.
Community engagement played a crucial role in shaping the sculpture's design. Local residents, cyclists, school groups, and arts organizations contributed through workshops, surveys, and creative writing sessions. A poem by the Linskill Scribblers is even engraved on the sculpture, embedding local voices and history into the artwork.
The sculpture is a significant landmark 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). An information board and QR code adjacent to the artwork provide details about the local walking, wheeling, and cycling network.
The sculpture serves not only as a landmark and photo opportunity but also as a place for rest and reflection for cyclists on the Coast to Coast route, reinforcing Tynemouth's identity as a key cycling destination. The local community contributed words and artwork for the bench design, ensuring a personal touch that resonates with the area's heritage.
The sculpture is intended to help establish Tynemouth as a popular destination and encourage visitors to stay longer in the town. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness expressed her admiration for the sculpture, praising its local roots and its potential to attract visitors. The routes attract thousands of visitors annually, including those from the UK and overseas, and it is hoped that "Life's Adventure" will inspire more people to explore the region on wheels or on foot.
In addition, 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, making it easier for visitors to travel sustainably and enjoy the region's active travel offerings.
With "Life's Adventure," Tynemouth has gained a unique and meaningful addition to its landscape, one that celebrates its cycling heritage, promotes active travel, and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the region's rich culture and history.
- The giant steel bench and bicycle sculpture, titled "Life's Adventure," positioned in the heart of Tynemouth, is not only a symbol of outdoor-living and sports, but also a tribute to home-and-garden, considering its local scenes depicted and community engagement during the design process.
- A significant landmark for the National Cycle Network, "Life's Adventure" sits at the intersection of several long-distance cycling routes, making it an ideal resting point for cyclists and attracting visitors who appreciate both sports and lifestyle, thus boosting tourism and the region's active travel culture.
