First Scotrail Reintroduces Cycle Vans For Inverness Wick Route

7th June 2006

Cyclists wishing to travel by train between Inverness and Wick this summer will be able to do so even more easily - thanks to two dedicated cycle vans which will carry their bikes by road.

First ScotRail is reintroducing the vans from Sunday 11 June 2006. They will be available throughout the summer until 22 September and carry up to 13 bicycles each. The vans will travel by road and accompany selected services between the two stations.

Patrick Nyamurundira, First ScotRail transport integration manager said: "The reintroduction of this service will assist the increasing number of customers and visitors who bring their bicycles to tour the area.

"The service has already proved very popular for those travelling on the Inverness to Wick route and this is the perfect way for people to
enjoy the region and easily and conveniently transport their bicycle."

The availability of the cycle van service also coincides with the start of National Bike Week (17-25 June). Erl Wilkie, chief executive of Cycling Scotland, the organisation set up to promote bicycle use in Scotland, said: "I am delighted First ScotRail is once again running this scheme.

"Cycle provision on the rail network is an important factor in moving
towards an integrated transport system and I am sure this service will
be welcomed by tourists and locals alike."

To reserve a bicycle space in a cycle van, a reservation must also be
made for a journey between Wick and Inverness. For further information contact the First ScotRail Customer Contact Centre 08457 55 00 33.