The annual Cyclists’ Memorial Service at the National Cyclists’ Memorial

Each year hundreds of cyclists from all over the UK come together in the West Midlands village of Meriden – traditionally regarded as the centre of England – to pay tribute to fallen cyclists.

Cyclists from around the country make their way to Meriden to attend a service to commemorate cyclists who have died in combat.

While the memorial service has a solemn moment with the minute’s silence to remember fallen cyclists, the event is generally uplifting. Cycling and cyclists are celebrated and groups come together to socialise and provide each other with support and friendship.

Dave Hearn of CTC Coventry has organised the service for the past seven years with help from his wife Margaret. This year’s service will be led by a new incumbent, the Reverend Kevin Flanagan.

The service consists of hymns, readings and prayers followed by members of Cycling UK plus other cycling clubs and organisations laying their wreaths in turn at the cenotaph.

The event is supported by the Bulkington Silver Band who provide the much-appreciated musical accompaniment.

The organisers are keen to involve all faiths in the service. One year a poem was read out by a member of the Sikh Cycling Union.

The event concludes at the Village Hall, which is open afterwards for refreshments and cakes baked by the local Women’s Institute.

2024 event

This year’s event, the 103rd, will take place in its usual format on the village green in Meriden on Sunday 19 May starting at 11am. All are welcome to attend.

Refreshments will be available after the service at the adjacent village hall.

Information from previous events

2023 event

The event returned to the village hall and its usual May timing.

There was a display of veteran and vintage cycles by the Veteran Cycle Club.

2021 event

This was the 100th anniversary of the service and was attended by Cycling UK chief executive Sarah Mitchell, who laid a wreath on behalf of the organisation. Unusually, it was held in September due to the pandemic.

2020 event

This was an online event only due to the pandemic.

2019 event

Around 400 people attended the annual Cyclists’ Memorial Service at Meriden Green on Sunday 19 May.

Cyclists from all over the country attended including members from many other Cycling UK groups such as the Cannon Hill Cycling Club in Birmingham who attended for the first time.

2016
Cyclists paid tribute to the fallen at 95th Meriden service.

2014
We will remember them
BBC news article: Meriden service marks WW1 cyclists' sacrifice
Listen to BBC World War One at Home: National Cycling Memorial, Meriden: Remembering Fallen Cyclists

1950
Video of the Anniversary Service At Cyclists’ War Memorial