Cyclists get Black Isle bus boost as trailblazer unveiled

CYCLISTS making use of a Ross-shire bus route for part of their excursions are being dealt a boost from next month.

From April 15 up until the October school holidays, all Stagecoach bus journeys to Inverness that start or finish in Cromarty will have the capacity to carry up to four bicycles.

In what's claimed as a first for the region, the scheme is being made possible due to a partnership between Stagecoach, Highland Council, HiTrans and the Million Miles project.

The route was chosen as it passes through several commuter villages, which are also tourism destinations.

The Black Isle also has a variety of family/leisure cycle options in addition to the fact that the route passes the Red Rock Mountain biking centre at Learnie.

Council depute leader David Alston, who lives in Cromarty, is booked to take 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.”

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How it'll work:

• Up to 4 bikes will be carried on all bus journeys to Inverness that start or finish in Cromarty (relevant services will be marked with a bicycle icon in the service timetable);

• It will be the responsibility of cyclists to load their bicycles onto the carrier on the rear of the vehicle;
• Spaces can be booked in advance provided at least 3 hours’ notice is given and bookings are available up to 16:00 Monday to Friday only;
• To book call: 01463 258934 or email: dawn.rae@stagecoachbus.com
• Cyclists in Highland can take their folding bikes on all Stagecoach services.