Commemorative statue unveiled to honor Tynemouth's rich cycling history
A New Landmark in Tynemouth: "Life's Adventure" Sculpture Celebrates Cycling Heritage
In the heart of Tynemouth, overlooking the iconic seafront near the Tynemouth Rowing Club, stands a new focal point and landmark for cyclists and visitors alike. The large-scale steel sculpture, named "Life's Adventure", is the brainchild of renowned North East sculptor, Ray Lonsdale.
This impressive artwork, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is more than just a sculpture. It's a celebration of Tynemouth's cycling heritage and a testament to the region's creative talents.
"Life's Adventure" features a giant steel bench adorned with local scenes and a vintage bicycle, standing tall at 1.8 meters. The sculpture was developed with extensive community collaboration, with contributions from local groups, cyclists, and youth organisations such as the Tynemouth Sea Scouts, Cubs, and Beavers.
The sculpture's location on the National Cycle Network is significant, as it marks the convergence point of six long-distance cycle routes, making Tynemouth a hub for active travellers and cyclists in the North East of England. 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 the North Sea Cycle Route (Eurovelo 12). Thousands of visitors, both from the UK and overseas, are attracted by these cycle routes annually.
An information board and QR code adjacent to the artwork provide details about the local walking, wheeling, and cycling network, encouraging more people to explore the region on wheels or on foot. North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, appreciates the sculpture for showcasing the region's creative talents and celebrating Tynemouth's cycling heritage.
The sculpture was developed in collaboration with Destination North East England, North East Combined Authority, North Tyneside Council, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, and Visit Northumberland. The Destination Development Partnership, which is also funding a corridor of e-bike charging points at key landmarks and attractions along the coast from Durham to Northumberland, is also funding "Life's Adventure".
Ray Lonsdale, known for his public artworks such as 'Herring Girl' in North Shields and 'Big Fella' in Silloth, has once again created a piece that not only serves as a new tourist attraction but also inspires a sense of community and adventure. The local writing group, Linskill Scribblers, even contributed a poem for the back panel of the sculpture.
As per the hopes of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Laura Freer, Assistant Director of Visitor Economy at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, "Life's Adventure" is expected to inspire more people to explore the region on wheels or on foot, making Tynemouth an even more attractive destination for cyclists and visitors alike.
With its prime location on the National Cycle Network, "Life's Adventure" not only encouraged outdoor-living for active travelers, but also became a hub for six long-distance cycle routes, including the Coast to Coast, The Reivers Route, and the North Sea Cycle Route. Additionally, the sculpture, adorned with local scenes and a vintage bicycle, fostered home-and-garden living by inspiring a sense of community and stimulating interest in local sports and activities.