Inner Forth Bike Bus launches to enable passengers to travel more sustainably in the area
A new transport service, piloted by the Climate FORTH project, launches this Sunday (21st April) in the Inner Forth. The Inner Forth Bike Bus is the latest offering from the project, which aims to make the area a more climate-resilient place to live, work and travel.
The Inner Forth Bike Bus will run every Sunday until 27th October 2024 and will be free to all passengers. Whilst the bus is primarily aimed at cyclists and those wanting to travel with their bike, walkers are also welcome to board the bus and make use of the service.
The route will be operated by PVT Transfer, who know the landscape well, and it will run between Alloa and the Forth Road Bridges. Various drop-off and pick-up points along the way include the Kelpies Hub, Dunfermline station car park and Bo’ness bus station.
With space for regular bikes, trikes, and other non-standard cycles, too, the Bike Bus can accommodate up to fourteen cycles, depending on size and type. With many of the stops positioned within proximity to the newly launched ‘Round the Inner Forth’ cycle route, too, there is a multitude of route options for cyclists and walkers using the service.
The concept of the Inner Forth Bike Bus has been developed to encourage local people - and visitors to the area – to make greener decisions when traveling and exploring, as opposed to automatically using a car. Stops have been selected to be as convenient as possible, within walking distance of villages, towns and – where possible – close to existing public transport links. Furthermore, the service will enable passengers with different fitness abilities to join up their journeys and explore many of the lesser-known built and natural heritage sites along the bus route, without having to walk or cycle lengthy distances to return to their starting point.
Although booking is not essential, it is strongly recommended to ensure a place on board. Bookings can be made by emailing PVT Transfer at least twenty-four hours beforehand on info@pvttransfer.com with your details, number of passengers, bikes and pick-up and drop-off points.
As well as funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Inner Forth Bike Bus has been supported by funding from the Crown Estate, via Fife Council.
James Stead, Project Manager for Climate FORTH said:
“We are so excited to see the launch of Climate FORTH’s Inner Forth Bike Bus free service this April. This will allow cyclists and walkers access to some of the remarkable, lesser-known heritage sites and hidden gems that the Inner Forth has to offer, while providing opportunities for local people and visitors alike to plan some fantastic Sunday trips around the area. A huge thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Lottery players along with the Crown Estate via Fife Council for helping to make this seasonal service one for all to enjoy.”
Tom Buchanan, PVT Transfer said:
“PVT Transport are delighted to partner with the Climate FORTH project to offer free transport to all cyclists and walkers with the Inner Forth Bike Bus. We are excited to welcome passengers on board from April to October and to facilitate exploration of the Inner Forth area in a more climate responsible way.”