A striking new sculpture by renowned local artist Ray Lonsdale has been installed in Tynemouth, designed to serve as a landmark for cyclists completing the famous Coast to Coast cycling route. The impressive artwork features a larger-than-life steel bench paired with a vintage bicycle, strategically positioned near the Tynemouth Rowing Club with sweeping views overlooking the mouth of the River Tyne.
The sculpture is intended to function as either a starting point for adventurous cyclists beginning their Coast to Coast journey or as a celebratory finish line for those completing the challenging route. However, many dedicated cyclists don't consider their journey truly complete until they've ceremonially dipped their bicycle wheels in the sea, maintaining a beloved tradition among long-distance cycling enthusiasts.
Tynemouth's selection as the location for this commemorative artwork reflects its strategic importance in the region's cycling infrastructure. The coastal village serves as a hub where six national cycling routes converge, and it will also be connected by the ambitious 11-mile Seafront Sustainable Route, which is planned to eventually link Whitley Bay with the North Shields Fish Quay. Tourism officials view Tynemouth as the perfect location to strengthen the area's reputation for active travel and outdoor recreation.
Mayor Kim McGuinness expressed enthusiasm about the new installation, stating: "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."
This bicycle bench represents the latest addition to an impressive collection of public artworks created by Ray Lonsdale, a local artist who has gained significant recognition throughout the North East region. Among his most famous works is the iconic Tommy statue in Seaham, which has become a popular tourist attraction. This year alone, Lonsdale has seen several new sculptures installed across the region, including "It Says Here" and "Launch Day" as part of Sunderland's sculpture trail, as well as "George" in Seaham.
Reflecting on his latest creation, Ray Lonsdale shared his personal connection to the project: "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."
While the sculpture was physically installed on Wednesday, complete with an informational board and QR code that provides visitors with detailed information about the region's cycling infrastructure, the official dedication ceremony is scheduled for September. This special event will honor the local community groups that played crucial roles in bringing the project to fruition, including the Tynemouth Sea Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, as well as the Cullercoats Methodist Church.
The ambitious project was made possible through collaborative funding and support from multiple organizations, demonstrating the widespread commitment to promoting tourism and active travel in the region. Key contributors include Destination North East England's Destination Development Partnership Pilot, the North East Combined Authority, North Tyneside Council, Sustrans, the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, and Visit Northumberland.
The sculpture installation comes at a time when the region's tourism economy is experiencing significant growth and recognition. Recent data reveals that tourism currently contributes approximately £6 billion to the regional economy, with ambitious plans in place to expand this figure to £10 billion by 2033. This growth target reflects the area's increasing appeal as a destination for both domestic and international visitors seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and scenic coastal attractions.
The Coast to Coast cycling route, which the sculpture commemorates, represents one of England's most popular long-distance cycling challenges, attracting thousands of cyclists annually who seek to traverse the country from coast to coast. The addition of Lonsdale's artistic landmark not only provides a memorable photo opportunity for completing cyclists but also serves to promote Tynemouth and the broader North East region as a premier destination for cycling tourism and outdoor recreation.
