Chasing the Sun

• Duration: 70 minutes
• Director: Michael B.Clifford
• Country: United Kingdom
• Year: 2024
• Rating: (PG)

In 1973 a man in a little known American University set out to discover the most energy efficient creature on earth. The experiment has since entered into legend and is now more relevant to our world than ever before: a human being on a bicycle is the most efficient being on the planet. 

The bicycle can enable ordinary people to do extraordinary things, like Chase The Sun- an event where people ride coast to coast, 200 miles or more in a single day, fuelled only by sandwiches, energy bars, cups of tea and good cheer. And it has the potential to do something much more extraordinary. At a time of energy crisis, of climate catastrophe caused by energy misuse, the bicycle can take a front line position in the fight against climate change. One pedal stroke at a time. 

This film follows Chase The Sun riders as they cycle coast to coast, sunrise to sunset. As we cross the country, we reveal stories beyond the ride itself. How the bicycle is pushing up green shoots across the land, tackling climate change and bringing other benefits through congestion and pollution reduction, mental and physical wellbeing and community joy. 

The film features inspiring stories from charity Life Cycle and women's cycling club Kent Velo Girls alongside contributions from broadcaster Ned Boulting, writer/blogger Jools Walker, World Champ mountain biker Tracy Moseley and artist/national treasure Richard Long.

“We’ve got a once in a lifetime opportunity to revolutionise how people get around and we cannot let it slip through our fingers.” Chris Boardman, Olympian & National Active Travel Commissioner