New internal racks make it easier for passengers to combine cycling and bus travel
- 26 new bike racks installed on buses for the first time in the region, improving connections between cycling and public transport.
- Facilities now available on double-deck buses on the 201/202 route (Aberdeen–Braemar) and the 35/X35 route (Aberdeen–Elgin via Macduff).
- Funded by Nestrans, Hitrans, Aberdeenshire Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority, and coordinated by Aberdeenshire Council.
- Racks accommodate two bicycles, including mountain bikes, free to use on a first-come, first-served basis, with no impact on wheelchair access.
- Expansion to Aviemore network planned for summer, alongside new cycle covers and secure parking projects.
New bike racks have been installed on Stagecoach buses in the North East of Scotland, making it easier for people to combine cycling with public transport.
Twenty-six internal racks are now in place on key routes, offering passengers more flexible and sustainable travel options.
The racks are now available on double-deck buses operating the 201/202 route from Aberdeen (Union Square) to Braemar and the 35/X35 coastal route from Aberdeen to Elgin via Macduff. Both routes are operated by Stagecoach.
The initiative is funded jointly by regional transport partnerships Nestrans (through People and Place Funding) and Hitrans, Aberdeenshire Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority via its Cairngorms 2030 programme, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Moray Council.
Stagecoach led on installation and certification, with Aberdeenshire Council coordinating the project.
The bike racks will make it easier for people to combine cycling with bus travel — helping them travel further, adapt their journeys to suit weather or practical needs, and access rural and off-road cycling routes.
The move also supports the growing cycling tourism market, giving visitors more options to explore local communities and scenic destinations.
Each rack holds two standard bicycles, including mountain bikes, with a securing strap provided. Use is free, first-come-first-served, and no reservations are required. Wheelchair access is unaffected, with dedicated space on the opposite side of the bus. Buggies take priority over bikes, but fold-down seating is available when neither is on board.
The project will expand later this summer, with Stagecoach fitting racks to double-deckers on the Aviemore network. Nestrans has also funded 50 new bike covers for use on selected routes without racks, allowing bicycles to be stored in the bus hold reducing the risk of damage and preventing dirt transfer.
Councillor Michael Hutchison, Chair of Nestrans, said:
“I’m very pleased to see the launch of the new bus cycle racks and I hope this will go on to be introduced across more routes in our region. Alongside plans to install more secure cycle parking at key stops and stations, and to make cycle covers available on other routes, it’s becoming easier for people to combine cycling and bus travel.”
Councillor Alan Turner, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee and Vice-Chair of Nestrans, said:
“I am delighted to see the launch of this tremendous partnership approach which makes it easier for cyclists to travel on some of our key regional routes. By offering these bike-friendly options, we hope to motivate more people to choose cycling for everyday travel as well as leisure and tourism.”
Rebecca Purvis, Transport Integration Manager, HITRANS, said:
“Making space for bicycles on bus routes connecting Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray is an effective way to enable more people to cycle for their everyday journeys and days out. This integration allows travellers to extend the range of their journeys and supports our ambition to make multi-modal travel easier and more accessible.”
Colin Simpson, Head of Visitor Services and Active Travel, Cairngorms National Park Authority, said:
“We know Upper Deeside is a popular area for cycling and mountain biking for people from Aberdeen and across Aberdeenshire. The ability to take your bike on the bus improves sustainable transport options in the Cairngorms National Park and we hope it will encourage more people to leave the car at home.”
David Beaton, Managing Director for Stagecoach North Scotland, said:
"We’re proud to be leading the way in bringing bike-friendly buses to the north east for the first time.
“By making it easier for people to combine cycling with bus travel, we’re giving our customers more choice and flexibility in how they get around; whether that’s for commuting, leisure or exploring some of Scotland’s most scenic routes.
“Our buses play a vital role in connecting communities and this investment is another step towards making sustainable travel more accessible, convenient and enjoyable for everyone."
ENDS
Background
*Double-decked buses with racks cannot be guaranteed on the shorter-route 202 service (between Aberdeen and Torphins/Tarland) but will feature on all 201 services serving the full Aberdeen to Ballater/Braemar route