Fun in the Sun at the Cycling Spring Fling!

15 March 2015

TWO-wheeled fun in the sun was the order of the day at Transition Black Isle’s cycling spring fling in Fortrose on Saturday.

Electric bike demos, thrills and spills on the airbag, Dr Bike bike checks and repairs and skills tests were among the events on offer at the event at Fortrose Leisure Centre.

Helen Robinson from Rosemarkie was one of a steady stream of people having a trial run on one of the electric bikes available for hire from Black Isle Bicycles.

It was wonderful,” she beamed, exhilarated from her ride round the village. “I had both knees and hips replaced last year and am still recovering from that - I think an electric bike could give me and people like me a whole new lease of life!”

“The best part was when I tried a hill - the bike was fantastic.”

The police were also on site giving advice on bike safety and security.  Beat Officers PC Jason Hasson and PC Cathy McGibbon from Inverness marked bikes throughout the afternoon, with numbered tags which go on a nationwide register.

Safety was the main theme of the day, and a Stagecoach bus and a training lorry demonstrated to cyclists the views - and blind spots - seen by drivers in the cab.

Bus driver Sammy Torrance said: “Stagecoach is keen to help cyclists, and part of this is providing free passenger bike racks on buses from April to  October each year.

“Our drivers are trained to help cyclists and to be aware of blind spots from vehicles - we’ve been giving people a chance to sit in the driver’s seat and see the view.”

As a cycling enthusiast himself, Sammy stressed the importance of all pedestrians, cyclists and drivers being aware of the issues other road users faced, and pointed out that both drivers and cyclists needed to be aware of the risks posed by the draught from a passing large vehicle.

Dave Mackintosh, owner of heavy goods vehicle training firm MD Fiddes added: “It’s all about safety.  When cyclists get in the cab, they can see the view the driver gets and be aware of the blind spots.

“If a cyclist can’t see the mirrors, then the driver won’t be able to see them.”

Visitors to the Cycling Spring Fling also enjoyed soup sandwiches, tea and cakes provided by pupils from Fortrose Academy, and short films from an innovative cinema powered by three bikes.

A new active travel map and cycling guides covering routes across the Black Isle also proved popular.

“All in all, the Spring Fling was a great success, attracting a stream of people of all ages and cycling abilities throughout the afternoon,” said project officer Marion McDonald of the Million Miles initiative, which organised the event.

“The spring sunshine gave the event a real boost, and there was a lot of fun had as well as a more serious message about safety for all road users being to the fore.”
Transition Black Isle’s Million Miles project, which aims to cut one percent - or a million miles - off car use on the Black Isle, has been the driving force behind a broad range of events and initiatives across the area over the last three years.

Fortrose and Avoch have been selected as cycle friendly communities to help develop a new award with national cycling organisation Cycling Scotland.

Shona Morris, Cycling Scotland Development Officer, said: “Transition Black Isle is one of four community groups receiving Transport Scotland funding to develop a national Cycle Friendly Community Award.
“Transition Black Isle’s experience and focus on creating a safer community for cycling is welcome. Events like the Cycling Spring Fling help raise awareness and encourage more people of all ages and abilities to cycle short journeys.

Electric Bike demos will be held at Fortrose Leisure Centre on 18 April, 16 May, 20 June, 18 July and 15 August.

Free bike safety checks, cycle advice and basic repairs and maintenance will be on offer at Dr Bike Sessions in Avoch Community Centre on 11 March, 9 May and 6 June.