Get your wheels on the road for a Million Miles!

17 July 2012

 RUSTY cyclists are being urged get their bikes fixed up and do some socialising in the saddle next weekend.

Transition Black Isle has organised two fun, free events at North Kessock as part of its Million Miles project, which is helping Black Isle residents slash their motoring mileage by using greener, more sociable forms of transport.

A special ‘Dr Bike’ Session at North Kessock Market at the village hall on Saturday 28 July from 10am to 12 noon will provide a golden opportunity to get your bike checked over and fully fit for the road.

Then there will be a chance to get together with other two-wheeled explorers on Sunday 29 July on a free family cycle picnic, which leaves from North Kessock Village Hall at 10:30am.

There will be a choice of routes and distances on offer as riders make their way to Loch na Mhoid Community Garden near Muir of Ord. Those keen to take to the woods can discover the off road section along the disused railway line in Spittal Wood. Some snacks and refreshments will be available but bring sandwiches and a water bottle. Riders are also advised to wear a helmet and bring waterproofs and suncream.

Both events are part of a Million Miles, a major drive to raise awareness of the benefits of using bikes and public transport and sharing lifts to get around.

Transition Black Isle was awarded £194,741 from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund to deliver the three year project, which aims to cut car mileage by 1% - or a million miles - per year.

“Studies in Scotland show that the principal barrier to cycling is the perception that it is unsafe,” explained Martin Sherring of Transition Black Isle. “One of the main areas we will be concentrating on is a range of community cycle events and training to provide people with the skills and confidence to cycle safely on the existing road and cycle network.”

Saturday’s Dr Bike session is being run in conjunction with the Inverness-based Velocity Cafe and Bicycle Workshop. Laura Nicolson from Velocity said: 'Bring your bike along to North Kessock Hall to get some love and attention from Velocity's very own Dr Bike, Neil Kaye. We assure you he will make your wheels spin happy!'

Velocity aims ‘to bring the joy of bicycles to everyone’ and it is currently running courses from a mobile tent in Bellfield Park. For more information see www.velocitylove.co.uk or look them up on Facebook or Twitter.