Inverness cyclist is a true champion
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A CYCLING campaigner who has worked with an Inverness medical practice to enable patients and practitioners to enjoy the benefits of pedal power has been named Scotland’s cycling champion.
Mick Heath has worked with the Cairn Medical Practice to combat poor cycling provision in the area.
He also sought ways for frail and elderly patients to experience wellbeing rides and encourage other patients to become more active with the help of trained ride leaders.
The 69-year-old was named this year’s cycling champion at Cycling Scotland’s annual conference in Dundee.
The accolade is awarded by Cycling Scotland, Cycling UK, Scottish Cycling and Sustrans Scotland.
Mr Heath said it capped a great year for the city as Dr Katie Walter, of Cairn Medical Practice, had been named Cycling UK’s most outstanding campaigning individual while Velocity Cafe was named Scotland’s best cycling cafe.
Mr Heath was thrilled with the award.
“It is on behalf of Inverness so I am delighted,” he said.
“It is the fact we are making Inverness a beacon city for biking.”
Since June, the project Cycling Without Age Inverness has taken out 700 elderly and frail passengers on e-trikes and trained 31 volunteers.
“A lot of the time we go to homes and the residents are queuing up to be taken out for a spin,” he said.
“Sometimes we can take eight or 10 out in a day. That goes down a storm with them.”
Suzanne Forup, Scotland’s head of development for Cycling UK, said Mr Heath was dedicated to helping more people experience the benefits of cycling.
“His boundless enthusiasm has helped to forge remarkable partnerships, and ultimately to touch many people’s lives through the joys of cycling,” she said.
