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Bike bus network expands across the Cairngorms National Park

Three children on bikes smile at the camera with a field of sheep behind them
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Bike bus network expands across the Cairngorms National Park

Cycling, friendship and getting to school safely – what’s not to love? With the bike bus network expanding across the Cairngorms National Park, young people are buzzing to get on their bikes and away to school.   

Bike buses are a brilliant way to start the day – consisting of an organised ride on a set route, picking up cyclists along the way. Getting young people active and out in the fresh air on the way to school has made a huge difference to parents and carers, giving them more time in the morning, reducing vehicles on the road and the thrill of joining on two wheels alongside the young riders. 

The project was inspired by the Carrbridge bike bus, set up and run by parents and the first in the National Park. Fitting within the aims of our Cairngorms 2030 programme, supporting people to shift towards walking, cycling, using their wheelchair and public transport for everyday journeys, it was a perfect match for us to support setting up bike buses across the region. 

Bike bus fever is catching, so much so that earlier this year every single pupil at Strathdon Primary School joined the bike bus, getting active and some much-needed fresh air before a day of learning. With nine bike buses now running across the National Park and over 125 young people signed up – this network makes getting to school easier and safer for both parents and pupils. 

The Cairngorms bike buses wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of over 30 parents and carers getting involved, including completing Cycle Ride Leader courses. The Park Authority is supporting bike buses by funding delivery partners, The SPIN Project and Ride in Peace Adventures, and working closely with Active Schools Highland and Aberdeenshire. These partners are transferring knowledge and providing expertise so parents and carers can independently continue to run their own local bike buses.  

Parent and Acting Depute Head Teacher at Aviemore Primary School, Jess Creber said: 

"The bike bus has been transformational for the children and families involved. The friendly faces of the bike bus staff have been a welcome sight in the morning, and they have been delighted to have older children along to help, developing leadership skills along the way. My own children have thrived being part of it, building community and friendships.” 

And what better way to celebrate a fantastic network than a film highlighting the passion of both parents, carers and, of course, the enthusiastic passengers that make it all possible.  

This how kids get to school in the Cairngorms National Park!

The bike buses have now wrapped up for 2026 with an incredible total of 1094 bike bus trips made just this year across the National Park – they will return in Spring 2027.  

We want to support every primary school community across the National Park to set up a bike bus to inspire communities across the UK to ride to school together. Interested in setting up your own? Get in touch at [email protected].  

Helping people to travel safer and greener is part of our Cairngorms 2030 programme, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.