Bike conference inspires the cycling world

23 March 2014

CONNECTIONS were kindled and new friendships forged when around 100 biking enthusiasts got together for a unique gathering on the Black Isle.

The Cycling in Rural Scotland conference at Conon Bridge drew a diverse range of people from across Scotland to take part in a packed programme of talks and workshops.

The assembly at Ben Wyvis Primary School on Saturday 22 March was opened by Highland Council leader Drew Hendry, who practiced what he preached by cycling to the event himself.

“I am passionate about cycling - getting more people onto bikes is a about journeys for communities as well as personal journeys,” Mr Hendry said.  “The bicycle was a transformative invention of the 19th century, enabling people to move around and connecting communities. With the resurgence of the bicycle come new ways to connect communities.

“Modern technology such as the electric bike open up possibilities for two wheeled travel and there is the possibility to combine travel methods such as using bus and bike.”

Mr Hendry underlined Highland Council’s commitment to bikes as part of its pledge to reduce carbon emissions across the region.

“Carbon Clever is a Highland Council initiative which has the target of a carbon neutral Inverness in a low carbon Highlands by 2025,” he explained.

“We have committed £1Million a year to becoming carbon clever, proving this is a financial as well as a policy commitment.  To achieve this we have to get people out of their cars.  But cycling is not just about carbon reduction, it’s about a healthier way of life.”

The themes of health, social inclusion, cycle tourism, route planning and mapping were explored by speakers and workshop participants throughout the day.

The conference was organised by Transition Black Isle as part of its Million Miles initiative, which aims to cut car use on the Black Isle by one million miles - or one percent - a year.

Million Miles project officer Marion McDonald described the event as "a truly inspiring day."  She added: "It was great to meet so many people from all over Scotland with the same interest in promoting cycling and improving the situation for cyclists on our rural roads."

More information about Transition Black Isle's Cycling in Rural Scotland conference is available here.