PICTURES: Spotlight on sustainable active travel at UHI campus with agencies including HIE, Highland Council and NHS Highland involved
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A BID to introduce locals to more sustainable 'active travel' ways of getting around was hailed a success with different modes of transport being showcased and ideas and experiences shared.
Organised at UHI Inverness Campus, the Sustainable Travel Day initiative aimed to showcase opportunities for active travel and related services available to the community of the Highlands and Islands.
The event saw Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, HiTrans, Highland and Islands Student Association (HISA) and other local partners join forces to encourage more people in the Highlands to turn to active travel.
Donald Hall, Travel and Transport Manager at Inverness Campus said about the event: "It's turned out to be a fantastic day with loads of different stalls and activities on, loads of people coming down to check different transport options, and all in all it's been a really fun day.
"I think it's great to put on events like this so that people can see what's available on their doorstep, whether that is a bike hire scheme or which shops sell different types of bikes.
"This is also a great opportunity for people to network and get to know each other and share the news in the industry.
"I think we had a good turnout today with a good range of people from the local business community as well as staff and students, and it's really nice for anyone in the industry to meet up in person and not virtually.
"We need to put the info out there and introduce people to the new schemes, and make these events accessible to people."
Lizbeth Collie from NHS Highland said: "With NHS Highland we work in partnership with charity Sustrans to encourage and support our staff to move to more sustainable and active ways of transport.
"It's great to see so many people here today and meet some of the other stakeholders and seeing people having a go at e-bikes and exchange ideas."
Tim Walters, who attended the day and works at UHI, said: "It's good to see different people here, I have picked up a few maps and tips on active travel.
"I guess it's about raising awareness of what's out there as well, whether that's cycling-wise or walking routes or the whole active travel agenda, so getting in, out and around town and the local area. People don't know, I don't think they actually realise what's on offer and what's available.
"I do cycle but I should cycle more. I live locally so I will be doing.
"E-bikes make cycling much more accessible. It would be good to see more stations around Inverness for the e-bike sharing scheme so that it will make it more usable and easy."
On the day, attendees could try electric mountain bikes and the Hi-bikes from the bike sharing scheme, as well as having their bikes repaired by Velocity’s Dr Bike service and a selection of refurbished bikes was available to purchase from New Start Highland.
A Highland Council stall was there to provide information on electric car funding and climate change projects as well as introducing the new Highland Adapts scheme.
The Care and Learning Alliance organised a buggy walk on campus and showcased their projects across the region.
Have you changed the way you get around, either because of the energy crisis or active travel decisions? How has it worked out for you? Share your experience by emailing newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
