Designed by renowned local sculptor Ray Lonsdale, the visionary artist behind a number of regional sculptures, including Seaham’s Tommy statue, the new, bespoke artwork depicting a giant bench and bicycle in Tynemouth is set to become an iconic focal point for coast-to-coast cyclists and active travellers.
The artwork overlooks the iconic Tynemouth seafront, close to the Tynemouth Rowing Club and was made possible through the support of England’s first Destination Development Partnership Pilot, Destination North East England alongside the North East Combined Authority, North Tyneside Council, Sustrans, NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Visit Northumberland.
It was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to enhance pride in place and create new opportunities by investing in communities, businesses, and skills.
Situated on the famous Coast to Coast cycling route, the steel sculpture, which features a larger-than-life park bench depicting local scenes and a vintage bike propped up alongside will act as an iconic starting point or welcome finishing spot for those taking on the cross-country trek – celebrating the area’s renowned active travel credentials.
Installed on Wednesday (30th July), the sculpture will be officially dedicated to the local community groups who have helped bring the artwork to life in a ceremony in early September. Visitors will be able to view the statue from today, with an information board and QR code adjacent to the artwork providing insights into the region’s cycling infrastructure and the suggested wheeling adventures to be had.
The artwork’s design is the result of a number of community engagement workshops with local people and the walkers, cyclists and wheelers who flock to the area to take in our dramatic coastlines, tranquil countryside and vibrant urban centres.
I love that this sculpture was created by local artist, Ray Lonsdale, showcasing our region's creative talents, and that local communities helped shape the design which celebrates Tynemouth's cycling heritage where iconic routes intersect. Our region attracts millions of visitors every year, and now, people who take on the mighty Coast to Coast will have a new monument to mark their achievement upon reaching the shore in Tynemouth. I hope this encourages more and more people to explore the cycle routes we are building, and enjoy our spectacular coastline, historic landscapes and vibrant urban trails.
The North East is a popular active travel destination, with its direct connections to Europe welcoming adventurous tourists via the DFDS ferry connection, the East Coast Mainline and Newcastle International Airport.
The project team organised drop-in events to allow local residents to ask questions about the new sculpture, and to contribute ideas to the final piece. As part of the community engagement work, members of Cullercoats Methodist Art Group came up with designs celebrating the area’s heritage, for the back panel of the bench.
Young people from Tynemouth Sea Scouts, Cubs and Beavers groups also contributed their ideas about travelling an imagined bike journey. Local writing group the Linskill Scribblers have used their words to inspire a poem for the back panel of the sculpture.
It is hoped that the sculpture will help to inspire more people to saddle up and explore the region on wheels or on foot – supporting Destination North East England’s ambitions to double the value of the visitor economy in a way that looks after our people, places and planet.
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 – opening up the region with more sustainable travel options.
As a cyclist myself, I am delighted to be selected to create a sculpture marking the end of the coast to coast routes. I want to try to make something that attracts interest and photo opportunities, and that relays a little of the history of the area.
The North East offers a truly unique blend of dramatic landscapes, stunning coastlines, and historic towns and cities many of which are connected by some of Europe’s most celebrated cycling routes. It’s fantastic to see this striking new sculpture come to life, shaped by the local community and symbolising our commitment to active travel. I’m confident it will become a focal point for visitors to Tyneside and beyond and we hope it inspires even more people to choose sustainable, regenerative ways to explore everything we have to offer in the region.
We’re really excited to unveil Ray’s new artwork. Tynemouth is a significant location for the National Cycle Network, with six long-distance routes passing through it. The new sculpture will help establish Tynemouth as a go-to destination and encourage visitors to stay longer in the town.
Cycling is a key part of our commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in North Tyneside. This new sculpture not only celebrates the six long-distance cycle routes that converge in Tynemouth, but it will also inspire visitors and residents to engage with cycling as a mode of transport and recreation. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting project and it’s wonderful to see Ray’s stunning artwork come to life in such an iconic location.
Learn more about the sculpture
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