Inverness is Scotland's top cycle city with the highest percentage of residents getting on their bikes to go to work of any city in Scotland.
The figures have been revealed by HITRANS, the regional transport partnership, and local councils in the Highlands and Islands to mark Bike Week 2015, which runs until Sunday.
Data analysed from the Census shows that 5.6% of journeys made to work by Inverness workers are by bike, the highest of the seven Scottish cities.
Examining the statistics more closely shows that four of the top 10 council wards for cycling to work in Scotland are within the Highland capital. This trend is only likely to increase with ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure to encourage cycling and walking.
At the same time, HITRANS has reported that 22,500 people have used the Millburn Road Cycle Route in Inverness since a counter was installed at the start of this year, averaging 250 per day during drier weather. This is set to increase as the Golden Bridge over the A9 into the new Inverness Campus is now open to the public.
Ranald Roberston, Director of HITRANS said "The data is very encouraging indeed,and shows that more and more people are making smarter travel choices. "
He said it could only be good news in the benefits for people's health, reducing traffic congestion and our carbon footprint.
Fiona McInally, Active Travel Officer with HITRANS, cycles to work whenever she can. She said: "Small changes can have big impacts and people will soon feel the benefits of cycling to school or work two times a week."
She is currently developing active travel maps for many of the larger communities in the Highlands and hopes to launch the first maps during Bike Week for Inverness and Fort William.
Keith Masson, Policy Co-ordinator - Climate Change, The Highland Council, said: "If anyone is interested in taking up cycling or wanting to explore Inverness with some additional pedal power a new pilot electric bike hire scheme was launched in Inverness late last year."
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