The larger-than-life steel bench and vintage bike is positioned near Tynemouth Rowing Club
Cyclists Suzanne Friend and Malcolm Barnes from County Durham at the new sculpture by Ray Lonsdale in Tynemouth.(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
There are hopes that a new sculpture designed by renowned local artist Ray Lonsdale will become a focal point for coast to coast cyclists. The artwork, which consists of a larger-than-life steel bench and a vintage bike, is positioned close to Tynemouth Rowing Club and overlooks the mouth of the River Tyne.
It is hoped that the bench will become a starting point for the Coast to Coast cycle ride or a finishing spot for those who take it on – though many don’t consider themselves done until they’ve dipped their wheels in the sea! Nevertheless, with six national cycle routes passing through Tynemouth, as well as the £11m Seafront Sustainable Route which will eventually connect Whitley Bay and North Shields Fish Quay, tourism bosses see the village as the ideal location to enhance the area’s active travel credentials.
Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “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 bike bench is the latest in a long line of public artworks by local lad Lonsdale, who designed the Tommy statue in Seaham, to go on display in the North East. This year, he has had other sculptures installed such as It Says Here and Launch Day on Sunderland’s sculpture trail and George in Seaham.
Ray said: “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 new sculpture by Ray Lonsdale in Tynemouth.(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
The sculpture will be officially dedicated to local community groups; including Tynemouth Sea Scouts, Cubs and Beavers; and Cullercoats Methodist Church; who have helped bring the statue to life at a ceremony in September. But the statue was installed on Wednesday, with an information board and QR code adjacent to the artwork, providing information and insights into the region’s cycling infrastructure.
The artwork was made possible through Destination North East England’s Destination Development Partnership Pilot, the North East Combined Authority, North Tyneside Council, Sustrans, NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Visit Northumberland. Recent data has show the tourism economy is worth £6bn to the region, while there are plans to grow that to £10bn by 2033.
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