Black Isle by bike - wheels set in motion for new community enterprise
THE wheels were set in motion yesterday on a new community enterprise that aims to bring to life the delights of the Black Isle - by bike.
Set up by Transition Black Isle, a charity whose aim is to tackle climate change by helping people move to a lower-carbon lifestyle, Black Isle Bicycles offers bike hire, route advice and accompanied tours.
The enterprise pitches the peninsula as a paradise for cyclists, including 100 sq.miles of quiet country roads and forest trails linking dolphins, nature reserves, beaches, stunning views, fascinating history, local food and drink.
Lizbeth Collie, destination development officer for the business, explained: “There are loads of special places to explore on the Black Isle: excellent cafes and restaurants, museums, Chanonry Point for spotting the famous dolphins, two RSPB reserves, breweries and a distillery to name but a few.
"Travelling by bike between them lets you slow down and enjoy this wonderful area. There’s also the fantastic mountain biking centre at Learnie Red Rock. And there are loads of great places to stay.
“We hope that locals and visitors alike will benefit from the chance to hire a bike here – for a day, for a week or for your whole trip!”
The group highlights the advantage to locals and visitors alike of choosing to cycle instead of taking the car in cutting carbon pollution as well as adding to fitness and fun.
Transition Black Isle also run the Million Miles project on reducing car use and projects on local food and renewable energy and regards the business is a natural progression.
Black Isle Bicycles’ enterprise manager, Giles Makins, said: “Our new hybrid bikes will take you on and off road with ease. We’ve got trailer bikes for the wee ones. And we’ve got a couple of electric bikes too which are really worth a try – it’s like someone is giving you a push up the hill.
“When you book bikes with us, we’ll deliver it to where it suits you: your accommodation, or a cafe, or a local beauty spot. So no need for racks or carriers – all you have to do is pedal! We also provide route advice and of course helmets, locks and hi-vis vests.
“And if you’ve already got a bike and would like a guided tour, maybe to spot wildlife or to find out more about the area’s history, bring your bike along and join us.”
Black Isle Bicycles says it also aims to support local tourism businesses to attract cyclists and can advise on bike parking, routes and repairs.
The enterprise has two years’ start-up funding from the Big Lottery’s Coastal Communities Fund.
