Two cycling sculptures to brighten your day

A couple of pieces of cycling art we thought you should be aware of, both making the world a bit more of a colourful place. First up is a cycling zebra, second is perhaps the world’s most flamboyant cyclist.

First, the zebra. One of a 47-strong sculpture trail across Southampton the “Zycling Zebra” is decorated with jerseys from cycling clubs in and around the city, with black leggings and a water bottle, a banana and a cycling magazine – so all the essentials for a bike ride.

Next, the man with the golden bicycle, and the red, yellow and pink feathers, tassles, sequins – you name it, basically – who was nominated for a civic award for cycling around Wimbledon trying to spread cheer, and who goes by the name of James Bond.

Stunning sculpture made entirely from bicycle tyres

Artist Susan Webber, who created the Zany Zebras, said: “I loved the idea that the humble black and white zebra could be transformed into something else, helping him escape his everyday monochrome life.

“The design was inspired by my partner Steve, who is a cycling enthusiast. I also love to watch the cycle races such as the Tour de France and Belgium classics. Cycling has become a popular sport these days and I wanted to celebrate this fact.”

The Zebra is sponsored by Garmin, and is also raising awareness for Grevy’s zebra conservation in Kenya. Grevy’s Zebras can run at speeds of up to 40mph, but numbers have dwindled to just 2,000, a 50% decline in two decades, placing them on the endangered species list.

Zycling Zebra will be at East Park, in Southampton City Centre, for 10 weeks from 16 July. All sculptures will be sold to raise money for conservation.

Cycling James Bond - a human peacock on two wheels

Golden bicycle man, who refers to himself as James Bond, was recently nominated for a Merton Civic Award as one of the unsung heroes of the area, for brightening up the town and spreading a little bit of joy.

He told the SW Londoner: “I feel and see that it is bringing the general public together.

“When I cycle past a bus stop I see people start talking to complete strangers about me as I pass them, and they all have happy smiling faces.”

Bond, who has cycled around Wimbledon for the past four years, said: “People also peep and wave with admiration as they drive by”.

“I like to live in a happy environment, it makes me happy to see other people happy.”

He usually takes a ten mile loop, three times a week, depending on the weather. He has two bikes, which he designed himself using “anything that has the most bling effect” in “fire colours” and in a baroque style.

His motivation is to brighten up the dreariness of everyday life. He says: “These days we are living in a very plain dull world”.

“It is making Wimbledon a much more interesting and colourful place for people to live in.”

The winners of the Merton Civic Awards will be announced in September. You can see Bond and his bikes here. Be prepared to be wowed.