Portrait Benches on the National Cycle Network

The Portrait Benches are life-sized steel sculptures celebrating local heroes across the UK.

You'll spot them on routes all across the National Cycle Network.

Alongside the sculptures, you'll find benches to rest on during your day out.

Each of the individuals celebrated have been chosen by people in their local communities, and may be living heroes or notable people from history.

Keep an eye out for these artworks the next time you're walking, wheeling or cycling on the Network.

Celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

2022 marks Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. To commemorate this, we reached out to new communities around the UK to help celebrate their own local heroes.

Discover new Portrait Benches in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Find a Portrait Bench near you

Abingdon

In Abingdon, we're celebrating Mieneke Cox, a highly respected local historian, alongside Abingdon's hard-working local volunteers.

Birmingham

In Birmingham, we're celebrating the familiar names of Sir Lenny Henry CBE, Ellie Simmonds OBE, and Jane Sixsmith MBE.

Bournemouth

In Bournemouth, we're celebrating AFC Bournemouth fan and ambassador John 'Nonny' Garard alongside Dr Jane Goodall, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace.

Bury

In Bury, we're celebrating the renowned local artist and sculptor Mary Edyvean alongside Colonel Eric Davidson MBD DL, who organised the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and remembrance parades in Bury for over six decades.

Castleford

In Castleford, we're celebrating Alison Drake MBE, the former chair of the Castleford Heritage Trust, as well as renowned British sculptor Henry Moore.

Chester-le-Street

In Chester-le-Street, we're celebrating much loved and respected local heroes Dr. Frank Atkinson CBE and Bryan Robson OBE.

Portrait Bench sculpture outline design of Bryan Robson

Bryan Robson OBE

Bryan Robson OBE is an English football manager and former player who helped Manchester United win two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one Football League Cup, three FA Charity Shields and a European Cup Winners' Cup.

Read his story.

Hastings

In Hastings, we're celebrating local hero Ann Novotny for her extensive contributions to the Hastings community.

King's Lynn

In King's Lynn, we're celebrating late footballer and local legend Malcolm Lindsay alongside staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust.

Lawrence Weston

In Lawrence Weston, we're celebrating local hero Mark Pepper as well as NHS staff across the UK who make such valuable contributions to their communities.

Liverpool

In Liverpool, we're honouring Dr. Gee Walker and Anne Williams for their tireless efforts to seek justice and make the world a better place.

Long Itchington

In Long Itchington, we're celebrating the record-breaking athletes of bicycle racer Eileen Sheridan and middle- to long-distance runner David Moorcroft.

Nottingham

In Nottingham, we're celebrating Karl White, Emily Campbell and Sheku Kanneh-Mason, all of whom have significantly contributed to the local and broader community.

Southampton

In Southampton, we're celebrating Monty's Bike Hub volunteer Dave Howells and former footballer Aman Dosanj, the first British South Asian to represent England at any level.

York

In York, we're celebrating legendary actress Dame Judi Dench alongside a true veteran of Sustrans, Dave Jackson.

The National Cycle Network needs you

Your donation will make a real difference and help keep the National Cycle Network a safe haven for people and wildlife.

With your support, we can create spaces which empower people to choose ways to travel that are good for themselves, their communities and the environment.