Cyclists will be able to explore Moray more freely after bike racks were fitted to buses as part of a £200,000 public transport upgrade.
Buses between Elgin, Kinloss, Findhorn, Forres, Hopeman and Burghead will be fitted with the kit.
It is hoped the move will boost cycle tourism and encourage residents to become more active.
Forres councillor, and keen cyclist, George Alexander, said there were many “marvellous” cycle paths waiting to be discovered.
He said: “As a cyclist myself I’m pleased to see the cycle provision fitted to buses.
“I would urge everyone to use this to access some of the marvellous cycleways we have in the area.”
The ‘bikes on buses’ scheme will run on the 31 and 32 service and will allow travellers to make any onwards journey by bicycle.
Each rack should be able to safely store three bikes at no extra cost to the passenger.
Managing director for Stagecoach’s north of Scotland area, Steve Walker, said: “This service will hopefully encourage some motorists out of their cars in favour of using the bus for one leg, or even just part of their journey, and cycle the rest of the way.”
Improved access to Forres Health Centre are also planned under the programme devised Moray Council, Stagecoach and the Highlands and Islands Transport Unit (Hitrans).
Local services to and from the new practice will increase to run every hour, dropping passengers off inside its grounds.