Pedals, picnics and dodging the rain!

30 July 2012

AN ambitious bid to slash car use on the Black Isle by a million miles has got off to a great two-wheeled start, with cyclists of all ages taking to the saddle.

Around 20 pedaling explorers cheerfully dodged the downpours during a family cycle from North Kessock Village Hall to Loch na Mhoid Community Garden, where they were joined by cyclists and gardeners from Muir of Ord for a picnic.

The event followed on from a ‘Dr Bike’ session at Saturday’s North Kessock Market, when cycle mechanic Neil Kaye of the Inverness-based Velocity Cafe and Bicycle Workshop worked flat out to get bikes checked over and fit for the road.

An electric bike demo run by Square Wheels of Strathpeffer at June’s market saw dozens of shoppers take electric bikes for a trial spin.

The events were part of Transition Black Isle’s Million Miles project, 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 scheme, which aims to cut car mileage by 1% - or a million miles - per year.

“We are delighted with how it’s been going so far - people are showing a lot of interest and the events are proving popular, sociable and fun,” said Million Miles project officer Marion McDonald.

“The bike picnic was a great day out exploring the Black Isle’s roads, tracks and trails - the first of many.

“We were really lucky to dodge the showers all day and take advantage of the summer house shelter at Loch na Mhoid when there was a downpour. Big thanks to Toni Clark there, who provided teas and coffees and a ‘pick your own’ feast of strawberries and peas!’