The Life of The Bicycle film to premiere at London's Science Museum next month

A film that explores the relationship between people who cycle and their bikes will receive its premiere at London’s Science Museum next month – what’s more, admission is free.

Partly shot at Herne Hill Velodrome, including footage from the Good Friday meet, which pre-dates the Tour de France, The Life of the Bicycle features 12 riders and finds out how they began cycling, what their inspiration is, and what they are looking to get out of riding a bike.

Subjects range from people new to cycling to experienced riders including one who has returned to the saddle with the help of the South London-based charity, Wheels For Wellbeing.

The film, which lasts 24 minutes, was produced by the Clapham Film Unit in partnership with the Science Museum and took six months to complete with the help of a £10,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund under its All Our Stories initiative.

It’s a charming and uplifting film that highlights the variety of people who are bitten by the cycling bug, ranging from a long-time racer who is now passing on his enthusiasm for two wheels to his kids, to a woman thrilled about being able to join her children on a bike ride thanks to a handcycle.

Kayte McSweeney, All Our Stories Coordinator at the Science Museum, commented: “The Science Museum has a longstanding commitment to public engagement and we are delighted to be working with Clapham Film Unit and The Friends of Herne Hill Velodrome on this project.

“Having the group investigate our historic collection of bicycles has given us a fascinating insight into what bikes and cycling means to people and we’re very happy to be premiering the film here at the Science Museum”.

The Life of The Bicycle will be shown at the Science Museum’s main lecture theatre at 1pm on Saturday 9 November and repeated at the same venue at 3pm that afternoon.