Cycling in the Stewartry took centre stage at a major event in Gatehouse on Saturday.
And the Active Travel Bicycle Conference proved a smash hit as people seek more affordable ways of travelling.
The Mill on the Fleet gathering featured projects from all over the region and many enthusiastic cyclists.
The day got off to a flying start with a tour of Wheels of Fleet when people got the chance to hear about the inspirational project which makes bikes affordable and available to all, does basic bike repair workshops and offers led rides in and around the town.
Also on view were the project’s maps of seven local routes which are being enjoyed by visitors renting out bikes.
Co-ordinator Danny Alderslowe said: “Everyone commented on what a positive event it was.
“The whole thing felt like a celebration of what these bike projects are doing for the region.
“We heard from Finlay Lamont, the co-ordinator of Rhins Active, about their bike repair scheme that also involves doing pop up workshops around the Machars.
“And we had Thomas Marshall of Dalbeattie Initiative, who are doing a lot of work in partnership with Sustrans to help people gain confidence in cycling.”
Danny added: “Every project all mentioned the work and help they have received from Annick LaRoque, the Sustrans officer based in Gatehouse.
“She goes around the whole area and helps us all out.”
Other contributors at the event included, Sally Hinchcliffe of Cycling Dumfries, Jon Betts of Glenkens Community Transport and Robin Alderslowe, who spoke up for young cyclists.
Carlos Soto, an employee of Sustrans who is the council’s new active travel officer, received a warm welcome as did Joanne Stewart of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway who gave invaluable advice on funding and funding assistance for cycling groups.
“People were really inspired to go back to their space in Dumfries and Galloway and promote what the region’s very own inventor Kirkpatrick McMillan envisaged all those years ago – cycling as a great way of getting around.”
