Cycling

The Black Isle

The Black Isle is brilliant for cycling, with some superb on and off-road routes to be explored on two wheels.

Using a bike is cheap, gets you fit, and is a great way to beat the queues - particularly relevant when the Kessock Bridge is busy.

If the option of using an E-Bike interests you, loans are currently available via the Energy Saving Trust / Home energy Scotland to help with buying one.  See this link for more information

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/grants-loans/ebike-loan

or call Home Energy Scotland free on 0808 808 2282.

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Cycling news

May 2021

Moving away from rural car dependency

Bo Hickey, infrastructure officer at Sustrans Scotland, explores the issues of car dependency and transport poverty in rural areas.

The definition of “rural” is subjective, but often raises a mental image of remoteness, challenging weather, and timber lorries hurtling along single-track roads. For many, the notion of driving is seen as an absolute necessity for rural residents and visitors alike.

However, these perceptions overlook that many, perhaps most, settlements considered “rural”, are actually located on arterial public transport routes and path networks, with many outlying houses and hamlets within a 20-minute walk, wheel, or cycle from local services. 

Given how many rural settlements were established (and sometimes even more populated) well before the rise of the Motor Vehicle, could it be that barriers to active travel are not actually related to distance and location? 

Perhaps the lack of safe active travel provision, combined with modern expectations to live life at a rapid pace, present a much bigger obstacle.

Read the full article

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June 2021

New cycling promotion project by Cycling UK

George Ewing of Cycling UK in Scotland has emailed

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January 2021

Avoch to Munlochy Cycle path

TBI has been trying since 2014 to facilitate the creation of a cycle and pedestrian path to avoid the busy main road between Avoch and Munlochy.  After a feasibility study identified possible routes, progress slowed in the face of anticipated problems in acquiring the necessary land.  Activity resumed in 2019 with a further consultants' review of the route and the recent announcement of a public consultation process, but problems over land acquisition remain unresolved.

TBI Convenor Julian Paren outlines the thinking behind the proposal for a path and reviews the progress to date.
 

The road from Avoch to Munlochy is one of the most well-used in the area. As well as local trips, both drivers and cyclists use it to commute to Inverness, with others coming into the area to visit tourist sites, shops and guest houses. Transition Black Isle (TBI) has been working to improve safety on the road - and to make it accessible for people traveling on foot, by bike or traveling in a wheelchair, mobility scooter or with a pram.

In 2014, TBI sought an alternative solution - a dedicated cycle path that could be used by commuting and leisure cyclists, walkers as well as parents with prams and young children, or the infirm riding mobility scooters.

 

Read the full article  (reference to consultation is out of date)

 

Other documents about the cycle path are available at 

Travel & Tourism / Active travel and safety

and
Resources / Document library / Transport / Cycling / Avoch-Munlochy cycle path .

 

 

 Part of the likely route of the cycle path - image Richard Dorrell, Geograph, Creative Commons Licence.

 

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March 2021             From the CCT March newsletter

 

Culbokie Community Cycle Club

With longer days, spring weather and a slight relaxation of covid rules, the Culbokie Community Cycle Club is getting back in the saddle. The club organises regular group rides to suit all abilities. Membership is free; there are more details and a link to the membership form on our website – and also some suggestions for cycling and walking in the area.

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November 2020

Cycling clubs on the Black Isle

August 2020

Velocity Cafe - GoByCycle and GetCycling

GoByCycle is a schools and community outreach programme

Our GoByCycle project encourages and supports Active Travel in schools and communities either by walking, cycling, wheeling or parking & striding! We are currently working within the Millburn, IRA, Dingwall and Fortrose clusters.
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We organise and deliver free activities such as Bikeability (cycling proficiency), Essential Cycling Skills, cycle training, presentations, workshops, Dr Bike sessions and fun events such as Bike to School Week.
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We are offering outreach bike maintenance, led rides and ‘how to cycle safely’ sessions for individuals and households in Inverness and Mid Ross. If you’re interested, please complete this short form: ParticipUKt Info Form. 

Please contact  07921 843374 or  gobycycle@velocitylove.co.uk  for more information. 

GoByCycle on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and website.
 

GetCycling

The Active Travel and general cycling links have recently been moved from GoByCycle to a new  GetCycling  page.

This includes links to our new Active Travel map and the TBI website.

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