It’s no secret – we love cycling, we love our bikes, and we love the feeling we get when we ride them. We are not alone.

The relationship between a cyclist and their bike is incredibly special, and it’s one that’s celebrated in a new film called ‘The Life of the Bicycle’. It premiers on Saturday November 9^th at the Science Museum, London, and it’s free to attend. Here’s what the films creators had to say about it.

“In The Life of the Bicycle we meet 12 riders and ask how they got in to cycling, why they ride, what they hope for in their riding and what has inspired them.

“The premiere of The Life of the Bicycle is the culmination of a six month project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and run by the Clapham Film Unit and the Science Museum, which has hosted research workshops and granted the Clapham Film Unit unique access to their cycle archives.

“The film brings together riders in their first year of racing with older cyclists who have over 400,000 miles in the saddle; we meet Phil, a racer and coach who cycled his two young children through London on day trips; Graham who organises the Good Friday meeting and is the son of a racing mother, and John who rediscovered his love of cycling through the work of charity Wheels for Wellbeing.”

A big bicycle collection…

So what’s the link with the Science Museum, I hear you ask? Not just a great place to visit of a weekend, the Science Museum also has a vast collection of over 300,000 items and objects covering everything from the history of science to the evolution of transport. Of course, this includes bicycles.

There are many bikes in the collection and you can see a selection of them in a beautiful and intriguing installation, ‘Bicycle Tour’. A range of bikes, covering every conceivable type and purpose, literally take to the air and hang suspended from the ceiling – it’s quite a sight.

…And a vast collection of stories

The project also fits as part of the Science Museums ‘All Our Stories’ program, which aims to get people exploring, sharing and celebrating their heritage. A lot of filming took place at the Herne Hill Velodrome, which is arguably one of the most important cycling heritage sites in London.

You can even use the day as a reason to get your bike out and go for a spin. There a social mass ride starting the Velodrome itself from 11am, a perfect introduction to the day, we reckon.

So add the date to your diary, and go be inspired.

The half hour film is a wonderful reflection of why people love cycling and what it brings to their lives, no matter what style or type of cycling they take part in.

Attend the premier

What: “The Life of the Bicycle” film premier
When: Saturday 9^th November, 1pm and 3pm
Where: Main lecture theatre, The Science Museum, South Kensington, London
Cost: Free
More information: email [email protected]