Millburn cycle counter passes city population mark

Over 64,000 cyclists have passed a Danish style Cycle Counter on Millburn Road, Inverness since it was installed last July – more than the population of the city.

According to the 2011 Census, 5.6% of people in Inverness cycle to work – the highest level of any city in Scotland. Across the Highlands, the level of people using cycling as their main mode of transport is 1.9%, higher than the Scottish average of 1.1% according to the 2013 Scottish Household Survey.

Since the counter was installed a dedicated cycle route linking Inverness city centre with the new University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Campus at Beechwood via Millburn Road has opened.

Work on the route included alterations to the carriageway to create pavements that could be used by both cyclists and pedestrians, new road markings, upgrading of crossings, providing Toucan Crossings at two locations on Millburn Road and new LED street lighting.

The counter was installed by Sustrans Scotland as part a pilot scheme involving eight other locations across the country. The project received grant funding from the Scottish Government, following a successful application from the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS).

Active Travel Officer from HITRANS Fiona McInally said: “The fantastic numbers of cyclists using Millburn Road show what can be achieved when good infrastructure is built where people want to travel.

“We've already seen large increases in daily numbers as Inverness College UHI opened this summer and we look forward to seeing how the new walking and cycling links in Inverness Campus affect cycle figures as the team at HIE complete the active travel link towards the retail and business park.

“All increases in cycling help Inverness and the Highlands move towards the Scottish Government aspiration of 10% of everyday journeys by bike by 2020."

Provost of Inverness Councillor Helen Carmichael said: “The route provides a dedicated, healthy and low carbon way of travelling. I am encouraged to see a high uptake of cycling in the city and we are committed to working with our partners to develop similar routes in suitable areas.”

The Highland Council’s Director of Development and Infrastructure Stuart Black said: “Given the significant investment in cycling infrastructure in the area, the counter gives us a valuable and accurate indication of localised traffic flow.”