Bikes carried on Inverness to Cromarty Buses
Photos from the launch of the new bike on bus service
In a first for Highland, from 15 April to the October school holidays 2013, all Stagecoach bus journeys to Inverness that start or finish in Cromarty will have the capacity to carry up to 3 bicycles.
The project was initiated by Malina MacDonald, Policy Coordinator for Climate Change at Highland Council whose work includes the promotion of active and sustainable travel in the region.
She said: “I am thrilled that this project has been made possible due to a partnership between The Highland Council, Stagecoach Buses, HiTrans and the Million Miles project. We chose the route as it passes through several commuter villages, tourism destinations and the Red Rock Mountain biking centre at Learnie but cyclists across Highland can take their folding bikes on all Stagecoach services.”
Council Depute Leader David Alston, who lives in Cromarty, took his bicycle on the bus on its opening day. He said: “This is a very welcome new service that will help cyclists in Inverness and on the Black Isle, as well as mountain-biking enthusiasts wanting to use our excellent mountain bike tracks. There will be short-term benefits for commuters wishing to beat the Kessock Bridge resurfacing works and in the longer term, more people may be persuaded to keep cars off the road, reducing congestion and reducing our carbon emissions.”
Steve Walker the Managing Director of Stagecoach Buses said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership to provide this new service for cyclists in Highland. We are hopeful it will be well used and further routes may be served in the future.”
As spaces are limited to 3, users are advised to book a space up to 3 hours prior to travel by emailing dawn.rae@stagecoachbus.com or phoning 01463 258934. Bookings are available up to 4pm Monday to Friday. Details on the new service and times can be viewed on the Council’s cycling page at: http://www.highland.gov.uk/cycling.htm
The public can use the new service to get to the Black Isle’s first free Bike Fest on Saturday April 20th at the Fortrose Leisure Centre. For more information check: http://www.transitionblackisle.org/bikefest.asp