Avoch pupils get active on travel

27 May 2013

Avoch pupils have been getting into pedal power as part of a bid to get more active in their travel habits.

Around 30 pupils and parents braved unseasonably cold weather to pedal to school along the route of the old railway line between Fortrose and Avoch on Friday 24 May. In the afternoon they took part in a range of games and cycling activities, including making pedal powered fruit smoothies.

The youngsters were joined by parents and community cycle trainer Jim McBride for the bike ride to and from school along the scenic railway route. 

"Avoch Primary is in the process of updating its travel plan, which is all about encouraging more active ways of travelling to and from school," explained deputy head teacher Julie Dick.

“Primary five and six pupils have been organising activities for children to take part in, including a road sign quiz, a treasure hunt, an active challenge with the youngest pupils and eco-friendly den building.”

Children and parents met in Fortrose to cycle the scenic-off road route in the morning.
 
In the afternoon they took part in cycle games and activities at the school, while other pupils tried their hand at making fruit smoothies using pedal power, thanks to a loan of the Black Isle Youth Team’s smoothie bike.  They then cycled homewards along the railway line, a distance of around two and a half miles.

Million Miles project officer Marion McDonald said:  “It’s great that so many people took part.  The off road cycle route between Fortrose and Avoch is brilliant, with fantastic views out over the Firth, and we’d really recommend people try it out now summer’s here.

“It’s maintained by local volunteers, whose commitment and hard work is very much appreciated by cyclists of all ages.”

This was one of a wide range of activities Transition Black Isle has helped to organise as part of its Million Miles project, which aims to cut car use on the Black Isle by one percent - or a million miles - a year.

People interested in free guided cycles to explore on and off road cycle routes across the Black Isle should contact the Million Miles team by e-mailing millionmiles@transitionblackisle.org phone 07715663781.

Details of the cycle activities planned for the coming weeks are available here.