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

Each year, hundreds of cyclists from across the UK gather in the West Midlands village of Meriden – traditionally seen as the centre of England – to honour cyclists who lost their lives in conflict. The annual service provides a poignant moment of remembrance for the cycling community.

The 104th Cyclists' Memorial and Celebration of Cycling Service will take place at 11am around the Cyclists' Memorial on the Meriden village green.

The service will be led by the Reverend Kevin Flanagan. Music will be provided by the Bulkington Silver Band.

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.

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

Dave Hearn of CTC Coventry has organised the service for the past seven years with help from his wife Margaret. 

Information from previous events

2024 event

Last year’s event, the 103rd, was led by a new incumbent, the Reverend Kevin Flanagan and took place in its usual format on the village green in Meriden.

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