Choose the National Cycle Network's next Portrait Bench

What is a Portrait Bench?

Portrait Benches is a project led by Sustrans to commemorate local heroes across the regions through which the National Cycle Network travels. 

In total, so far, we've created over 250 of these life-sized figures across the length and breadth of the Network. 

Fabricated from steel, the special portraits celebrate local historical or cultural figures, watching on as you take a rest on a bench at different Network routes across the country. 

The last instalment of these was 11 years ago when we celebrated local heroes including: 

• famed authors 
• Olympians 
• entertainers 
• community volunteers
• national treasures 
• representations of occupations that have been the backbone of their region.

Help us choose our brand new Portrait Benches

Thanks to funding from the Department for Transport, we’re hugely excited to announce our latest Portrait Benches campaign to launch a series of artworks across England as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. 

We’re inviting you, the public, to have your say on who, in the last 70 years (alive or passed), you think these inspiring benches should represent.  

Whether they’re a pillar of your local community, a famous individual from your hometown, or an influential role model - the choice is yours.

It could even be a collective group of individuals or a movement that you believe has made a positive impact on your area’s heritage and history. 

These new portraits will be created by the skilled hands of artist Katy Hallett. 

Have your say 

Use our easy online form below to nominate your local hero and tell us why you think they deserve to have their likeness immortalised as a steel figure along the Network. 

Nominations open at 9am on 21 March and close at midnight on 11 April 2022. 

Terms and conditions

Read the full terms and conditions of the Portrait Benches voting.

The final decision following the voting process is reserved by Sustrans and selected partners.  

Sustrans plans to announce the final selected local heroes in April 2022.  

For more information on how we capture and store your data, please read our privacy policy.

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