The 2025 season of the Inner Forth Bike Bus has now wrapped up and we would like to thank everyone who used the service this year, as well as PVT Transfer for operating the service for us between Alloa and the Forth Bridges.
The concept of the Inner Forth Bike Bus was developed to help local people, and visitors, to 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.
It's not always easy to come up with more sustainable, green methods of transport and offerings within the tourism sector.
Local people and visitors may find themselves unable to explore the heritage assets of the Inner Forth due to a lack of 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 service returned in 2025 for its second season, too.
We were lucky to have Markus Stitz and Laura Anderson, also known as 'Less Waste Laura,' on board this year:
Here are some reactions from passengers who used the service:
"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."
Our Bike Bus has space for up to 12 standard cycles and non-standard bikes have also been accommodated. Pic by Andy McCandlish for Inner Forth Futures.
Walkers are also welcome to use the service! Our Comms Officer, Laura, took the bus to Culross to visit the ancient palace. Pic by Inner Forth Futures.
Loading up the bikes at Port Edgar. Pic by Markus Stitz.
A guided tour by Markus Stitz took place during the summer of 2025. Pic by Markus Stitz.
Happy cyclists enjoying the views of the Forth Bridges. Pic by Markus Stitz.
Go FORTH and explore! With the help of the Inner Forth Bike Bus, of course!
