Home/News/PRESS RELEASE: Popular Inner Forth Bike Bus returns with tour guides for third season
PRESS RELEASE: Popular Inner Forth Bike Bus returns with tour guides for third season
Use the Inner Forth Bike Bus as a cyclist or walker this season to explore the Inner Forth more sustainably. Pic by Markus Stitz.
Popular Inner Forth Bike Bus is back with tour guides for third season
The Inner Forth Bike Bus, which was piloted by the Climate FORTH project in 2024 and 2025, is returning for another season this year. The free transport service, which runs between Alloa and the Forth Bridges, is better than ever with the addition of tour guides from Little Scottish Treasures to elevate the passenger experience for its third season.
Remaining unchanged is the focus on providing a more sustainable way for cyclists, and those travelling with bikes, to get around the Inner Forth. Walkers are also welcome to hop on and off to explore the impressive heritage attractions of the Inner Forth.
The service re-launches on Sunday 17th May and will run every Sunday until 27th September. The bus will continue to be operated by PVT Transfer, on behalf of the Climate FORTH project:
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 again in 2026, and to facilitate exploration of the Inner Forth area in a more climate-responsible way.”
Climate FORTH have engaged the services of Little Scottish Treasures as tour guides for this year, bringing the heritage of the Inner Forth to life as you travel between stops. The tour guides will provide local insights and recommendations for your day trip, as well as sharing hidden heritage gems of the area.
“All of us at 'Little Scottish Treasures' are delighted to be given the opportunity to provide a professional local guide for the duration of each bus journey. We aim to add to the fantastic experience already enjoyed by those who use the service, by sharing information, history and stories of places and attractions all around the Inner Forth area.
With space for regular bikes, trikes, and other non-standard cycles, the Bike Bus can accommodate up to twelve cycles, depending on size and type. With many of the stops positioned within close proximity to the ‘Round the Inner Forth’ cycle route, too, there is a multitude of route options and paths for cyclists and walkers using the service.
The concept of the Inner Forth Bike Bus was 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 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.
James Stead, Project Manager for Climate FORTH said:
“The Inner Forth Bike Bus is a great example of how Climate FORTH is testing new, practical ways to support active and sustainable travel across the region. Now in its third season, we’ve made improvements based on last year’s feedback and are looking forward to seeing even more people get on board.
If you’re heading out for a walk or cycle, why not give the Bike Bus a try on a Sunday and uncover some of the Inner Forth’s hidden gems along the way?”
If you have a modified cycle, please email innerforth@rspb.org.uk to check it can be accommodated.
The Inner Forth Bike Bus has been supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Notes to Editor:
Climate FORTH is the latest project from Inner Forth Futures, a landscape-scale partnership between RSPB Scotland (lead partner), Clackmannanshire Council, Falkirk Council, Fife Council, Green Action Trust, NatureScot, Stirling Council and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Scotland. Historic Environment Scotland acts as an advisory body.
Climate FORTH is partly funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to players of the National Lottery. Additional funding comes from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the Crown Estate, IFF members and the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Network Engagement Programme. The project’s delivery phase will run until October 2026.
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