Rising number of people cycling to work in Aviemore

Sally Devlin from Aviemore is one of a number of cyclists who commute to work

The number of people using bikes for everyday journeys in parts of the Highlands is on the rise, according to new data.

Journeys by bike on the B9152 road between Aviemore and Carrbridge are up 53% for the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2024.

Further north, almost 2,000 people were recorded passing a monitor by the A9 at North Kessock.

Cycling Scotland identified peaks around morning and evening commuting times, suggesting more people are biking to work.

The figures have been gathered as part of national cycle counter data, utilising more than 800 automatic cycle counters at 34 locations across Scotland.

Sally Devlin, from Aviemore, said: "I no longer drive to work.

"Even though it's just a five-minute cycle you feel so much better for getting outside."

Across Scotland, a 30% increase was experienced in the number of cycle journeys over winter.

Nick Montgomery from Cycling Scotland, said: "What we see from the data is that where local authorities are investing in protected cycle lanes and improved networks of cycling routes, there are big increases in people travelling by bike.

"Future improvements would support even more people to benefit from cycling as a healthy, affordable, and environmentally friendly way of getting around."

A 5.5 mile (9km) off-road route for walking, wheeling and cycling is planned between Aviemore and Carrbridge, which will be built during A9 dualling works.