Inverness bike scheme wins funding
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A FREE bike scheme for disadvantaged people in Inverness has scored repeat funding to operate for a second year – with families on the Raigmore Estate set to reap the benefits.
The WheelNess project gives bikes and free cycle training to people with health conditions who are on low incomes.
The programme reached more than 150 people last year and repeat annual funding of £226,000 is now in place from the Scottish Government to target specific groups as opposed to self-referral.
These include taxi drivers, pensioners and carers and families whose children attend Raigmore Primary.
Highland Cycle Campaign convener John Davidson said it was great news for a scheme which had already had a “transformative impact on so many people on low incomes in the Inverness area”.
He said: “We are delighted to hear it has received this repeat funding to help more people benefit from the freedom and positive health outcomes that cycling brings.”
Last year 157 people were given free access to bikes through WheelNess.
Inverness College UHI student and New Start Highland volunteer Iain Sangster (47) of Macewan Drive, said it was years since he had been on a bike but he took to it like a duck to water.
“I suffered from depression before I got the bike but I find cycling is uplifting,” he said.
Jackie Deans (45) of Lawyers Way, said: “After I got the bike I got a start at a new temping job so it was good timing. It gave me something to talk about with my new colleagues.’.”
Suzanne Forup from Cycling UK, which runs WheelNess, said: “We’re delighted that WheelNess will be able to help many more people in Inverness who wouldn’t otherwise be able to cycle. This project has highlighted the positive impact that riding a bike can have on people’s lives.”
