Bikes on buses set to become easier in the Highlands as new pilot scheme is launched
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A new pilot scheme has been launched in the Highlands to make it easier for cyclists to take their bike on a bus.
Reusable bike socks – or covers – will be available on coach services provided by Stagecoach between Inverness and Caithness, and by Scottish Citylink on services between Inverness and Skye, Fort William and Ullapool.
The covers fit easily over the wheels and chain mechanism, allowing the bike to be safely carried in the luggage compartment of the coach.
There will be two socks available on each service. Use of the sock and carriage of the bike are free of charge.
The service is being run in partnership with the regional transport agency, Hitrans, and if it proves popular, a booking service may be introduced in the future.
It is expected to benefit local people wishing to take the bus and then cycle for their onward journey, and visitors travelling to or from the Highlands and islands for cycle touring holidays.
Highland councillor Allan Henderson, chairman of Hitrans, said: "This new service will be a great benefit to cyclists, both tourists and commuters.
"The Highlands offer excellent cycling options, with many quiet routes on single-track roads, off-road routes and forestry tracks.
"Highland residents travelling to or from Inverness on Scottish Citylink services will warmly welcome being able to take their bike on the bus for their onward journey.
"As a Lochaber resident, I know how much Fort William has to offer in terms of off-road cycling, whether riding the mountain bike trails or taking a day trip along the Caledonian Canal.
"It’s great that people can more easily bring their bike on the bus for a car-free holiday or day out."
Alex Flanagan, Stagecoach operations manager for Aviemore, Inverness and Tain, said: "We are always looking for new ways to promote our services, so we’re delighted to be able to accommodate cycles more easily on some of our key routes.”
Simone Smith, operations director of Scottish Citylink, added: "We are delighted to partner with Hitrans in this initiative, which we know will be popular with locals and visitors alike."
Stops where Citylink can safely permit cyclists to board/alight:
917 Inverness - Portree:
Inverness Bus Station
Drumnadrochit Post Office / opposite Post Office
Urquhart Castle
Kyle of Lochalsh Old Slipway
Broadford Post Office / Hospital Road End
Portree Square
919 Inverness - Fort William:
Inverness Bus Station
Drumnadrochit Post Office / opposite Post Office
Urquhart Castle
Fort Augustus Bus Stance
Spean Bridge Spean Crescent
Fort William Bus Station
961 Inverness - Ullapool:
Inverness Bus Station
Garve
Ullapool Pier
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