Since its completion earlier in the year, the Riverside Way has provided a safer and more accessible route for walking, wheeling and cycling along Ness Walk and Bught Road.
Children from local primary schools in Inverness cut the ribbon to officially open the Riverside Way. ©The Highland Council, 2024
Santa made an early visit to Inverness this year as he joined local school children, elected members and project partners to celebrate the official opening of the Riverside Way.
The project, which completed in July of this year, has made it safer and more accessible to walk, wheel and cycle along Ness Walk and Bught Road.
Residents, visitors and commuters can now follow the scenic route along the River Ness, which also provides a convenient connection into the city centre and further on via National Cycle Network Route 1.
Before work on the Riverside Way took place, Ness Walk was dominated by busy two-way traffic.
Narrow pavements, a lack of cycling provision and the absence of clear designated crossing points made the route a real safety concern for those living and working in the area.
As a popular tourist link with Ness Islands and a major thoroughfare for children travelling to and from school, the Riverside Way could prove particularly treacherous.
With illegal parking also a common occurrence along the route, walking, wheeling and cycling was, at times, almost completely inaccessible, especially for those using wheelchairs or travelling with pushchairs.
Prior to construction, footways were narrow along Ness Walk with no clear crossing points. ©The Highland Council, 2024
The Riverside Way has created more space for people travelling actively, with a new segregated northbound cycle lane and one-way carriageway southbound.
In addition, widened footways and improved crossing facilities have been introduced to improve safety for people walking, wheeling and cycling at junctions.
Parking arrangements for motorised vehicles have also been formalised and cycle parking introduced, making it much more convenient to use this popular route.
Crucially, the Riverside Way is a massive boost for local connectivity, linking to many key facilities and destinations, including the Caledonian Canal, Royal Northern Infirmary Community Hospital, Eden Court, the Botanic Gardens and more.
The works also provided the opportunity to realign National Cycle Network Routes 1 and 78, improving the connection for those wishing to travel further afield.
As part of the Inverness City Active Travel Network, which has delivered segregated cycle lanes, improved crossings and accessible bridges across the city, The Riverside Way is a cornerstone in efforts to help create a healthier, more inclusive and attractive environment for walking, wheeling and cycling.
City Leader, Councillor Ian Brown, described how the improvements to the route are already proving popular.
“The Riverside Way opened a few months ago, as many people will be aware, and feedback so far has been really positive. At any time of day there are people walking, wheeling and cycling and there’s lots of stopping to take photos”.
The official opening of the Riverside Way took place on the 3 December 2024.
The ribbon was cut by local school children from Bishop Eden and Central primary schools.
They were joined in celebration by Emily Williams, Inverness's Bicycle Mayor, as well as local councillors and staff from the Highland Council, plus representatives from contractors Wills Brothers and Sustrans.
Speaking ahead of the event Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, emphasised the commitment to improving walking, wheeling and cycling networks across Inverness.
“We’re delighted to see the success of Riverside Way, to add to the other improvements delivered through the Inverness City Active Travel Network: the Raigmore Active Travel Link, the Raigmore Bus Gate and Torvean Mobility Hub. Next year should also see Transport Scotland upgrade the Raigmore Interchange to make it safer for active travel.”
Jonathan Wills from Wills Brothers, the main contractors on the project, cited community engagement as key to the success of the Riverside Way. He said: “We are proud to have delivered the Riverside Way active travel route, which enhances local connectivity and accessibility.”
“We thank residents and businesses for their patience and cooperation during construction. Engaging with organisations near the site, such as the Men's Shed in Inverness, local primary schools, Incredible Edible, the Highland Hospice, and CECA Academy students from UHI, has provided a rewarding sense of community collaboration.”
Santa arrived by cargo bike on the day of the Riverside Way opening to kick off the festivities. ©The Highland Council, 2024
Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director, at Sustrans Scotland, said she hoped the improvements would enable more people to travel actively.
"The Riverside Way is making it easier and safer for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle in Inverness. By providing a direct and accessible route along Ness Walk and Bught Road, the project has not only helped create a scenic leisure route for residents, visitors, and commuters but also a key connection into the city centre.
“We're delighted that the works have also provided the opportunity to realign National Cycle Network Route 78, improving the connection for people wishing to travel further and access greenspaces and attractions throughout the Highlands.
The Riverside Way project received £2.5 million funding from the Scottish Government, administered through Places for Everyone, for the construction phase of works.
It was delivered as part of the wider Inverness City Active Travel Network (ICATN) led by the Highland Council.
ICATN aims to create new segregated cycling routes, crossings and bridges across the city, in particular Smithton Bridge, Raigmore Interchange, Millburn Road, and the Riverside Way.
ICATN has received £6.2 million in Scottish Government funding from Places for Everyone.
