A free transport service, aimed primarily at cyclists to encourage them to explore the Inner Forth area, launches this Sunday (April 21).

The Inner Forth Bike Bus, piloted by the Climate FORTH project, aims to make the area a more climate-resilient place to live, work, and travel.

It will run every Sunday until October 27 and will be free to all passengers.

It has been developed to encourage locals and visitors to make greener decisions when travelling.

The service will enable passengers 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.

Whilst the bus is primarily aimed at cyclists and those wanting to travel with their bike, walkers are also welcome to board the bus.

The route will be operated by PVT Transfer. Various drop-off and pick-up points along the way include the Kelpies Hub, Dunfermline station car park and Bo’ness bus station.  

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. 

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Laura Healy Smith, project officer Climate FORTH, said: “The Inner Forth Bike Bus is a mini bus with a trailer on the back, and the trailer accommodates up to 14 bicycles or trikes, or unicycles, whatever kind of cycle people have.

“A major part of Climate FORTH is to make the Inner Forth more climate resilient, a more sustainable place to live, and work, and travel in, so benefitting locals and visitors too.

“The idea behind the bus is to encourage people to leave the car at home, and hop on the bus. It can be used by walkers, if they just want to hop on and hop off, do a new walk, explore a new area that regular transport doesn’t allow them to explore so easily.”

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Booking is not essential, but it is recommended. Bookings can be made by emailing PVT Transfer at least 24 hours beforehand on info@pvttransfer.com with your details, number of passengers, bikes and pick-up and drop-off points.  

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."