We are delighted to announce that the Inner Forth Bike Bus is returning in 2025 for a second season! From 20th April until 26th October, the FREE bus service will be operating again, every Sunday between Alloa and the Forth Bridges, encouraging cyclists to travel more sustainably within the Inner Forth. Walkers are still welcome to use the service, too.
The concept of the Inner Forth Bike Bus was developed to enable local people, and visitors, to help them cycle (or walk) part of the 'Round the Inner Forth' route, hop off at fascinating heritage sites, and return home or to a bus stop/ train station for their onward travels. We all know that public, shared transport is a better way to travel than doing so by car, so our hope is that people continue to embrace this mode of transport, have fun, and choose a greener option on Sundays within the Inner Forth area.
Season 2 of the Inner Forth Bike Bus returns on Sunday 20th April 2025! Picture, Andy McCandlish for Inner Forth Futures (c) 2024.
It's not always easy to come up with more sustainable, green methods of transport and offerings within the tourism sector.
Visitors to the Inner Forth area - as well as residents living in the area - might find themselves exploring a linear walk or cycling trail to a heritage spot, only to have to face turning back and heading in the same direction in which they came. They may not have the time, inclination, or level of fitness required to return to the start point of that journey, on their own steam. As well as this, public transport provision may also not exist and, if it does, it will not always necessarily be bike friendly and accessible for those on wheels.
To try and address some of these issues, in 2024, we piloted the Inner Forth Bike Bus, which ran every Sunday between 21st April and 27th October 2024. We contracted PVT Transferto run a minibus service, equipped with new bike trailers, operating on a circular route between Alloa and the Forth Bridges, with stops to link and allow access to lesser-known heritage sites, walking and cycling routes, and active travel hubs. The route, stops and timetable for the 2024 season are shown below.
We are delighted to announce we are running a new and improved service for 2025, to provide a valuable link, offering locals and visitors alike, the opportunity to discover the fascinating built and natural heritage the area has to offer. Bookings are not essential but recommended if you have a modified cycle. Email info@pvttransfer.com detailing the stops you wish to hop on and off at and the date of travel.
Here are some reactions from passengers who used the service in 2024:
"Got the bus yesterday from Alloa to South Queensferry then cycled home. Amazing service!"
"We had a great driver, pick up and drop off. Excellent service and really hope you can get more folks using it."
"I think it is a brilliant initiative and I will be sure to use it again. I really enjoy seeing the changing natural and built heritage of the Inner Forth as I cycle around. I am sure I will be using the service many times over the coming months."
We look forward to welcoming you on board on the Bike Bus this year!
Buckle up and try out the FREE Inner Forth Bike Bus, which operates every Sunday until 27th October 2024
Our Bike Bus can accommodate up to 12 standard cycles and non-standard bikes can also be accommodated
Walkers are also welcome to use the service! Our Comms Officer, Laura, took the bus to Culross recently
