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National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden

National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden

Highlight • Monument

National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden

Recommended by 116 road cyclists out of 117

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Location: Meriden, West Midlands Region, England, United Kingdom

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Best Road Cycling Rides to National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden

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1. A figure of eight from Berkswell to the National Cyclists Memorial & NT Packwood House

59.6km

02:42

430m

Intermediate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Intermediate

4.2

(13)

139

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2. Berkswell Village – Berkswell Windmill loop from Canley

39.0km

01:37

260m

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Easy

5.0

(1)

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3. Maxstoke Priory Ruins – Shustoke Reservoir loop from Tile Hill

50.6km

02:19

320m

Intermediate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Intermediate

Tips

Daveali

March 30, 2019

The obelisk honors the cyclist troops who were killed during World War I.

In 1914, cycling was incredibly popular in the UK. During the war, the British army included a Cyclist Corps which employed bicycle-riding messengers, coastal lookouts and scouts. The two-wheeled troops often found themselves behind enemy lines. One division advertised for recruits with the slogan: “Are you fond of cycling, if so why not cycle for the King.” (It generously added, “bad teeth no bar.”)

While the majority of these specialist troops were actually converted to conventional infantry and sent to the gridlocked trenches of France, bicycle troops were used by the British all through the war. When the fighting was over, in 1918, members of cycling clubs realized how many people had not returned. A monument was built to honor all the cyclists who were killed in battle.

The 32-ton, Cornish Granite-faced obelisk was installed using donations from cyclists all over the country, and Meriden was chosen for its location at the center of the country. The future king Edward VIII (then Prince of Wales) even auctioned his own bicycle to contribute to the fund. It was unveiled on May 21, 1921 with a ceremony attended by over 20,000 people. An annual service of remembrance is held each May, which hundreds of cyclists pedal their way to Meriden to take part in.

Bicycles were also used in World War II by hundreds of paratroopers who were given a special folding bike, and commandos, during the second wave after D-day. In 1963, a bronze plaque was added to commemorate the fallen cyclists from the Second World War.

Citation atlasobscura.com/places/national-cyclists-memorial

Jay

April 9, 2021

A nice green to take a rest and have a drink . Nice shops to grab a snack or even chips if you fancy.

MikeyM

August 20, 2021

Nice place for a short break while cycling, available store if youneed a refills.

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Elevation 100 m

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Friday 24 October

12°C

8°C

100 %

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Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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Location: Meriden, West Midlands Region, England, United Kingdom

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National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden

1. A figure of eight from Berkswell to the National Cyclists Memorial & NT Packwood House

2. Berkswell Village – Berkswell Windmill loop from Canley

3. Maxstoke Priory Ruins – Shustoke Reservoir loop from Tile Hill

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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