Bike & Go launches new online subscription scheme

Bicycle hire scheme Bike & Go has launched a new ‘spontaneous subscriber’ initiative in a bid to give Merseyrail customers the opportunity to take advantage of the warm weather this summer.

As part of the new initiative, users have to go online to register their card details and pay the annual subscription fee. They will be sent a unique user number via email, which can then be taken to the ticket office of their desired station on the Merseyrail network, verifying their Bike & Go subscription and allowing them to immediately hire a bicycle.

The director of the Bike & Go scheme, Kaj Mook, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this enhanced service, which will allow customers to make the most of the beautiful weather we’re currently enjoying.

“Users can subscribe via smart phones, tablets at the station or online at home before heading to the station to pick up their bike.”

Established two years ago, the Bike & Go scheme is targeted towards functional cyclists. In addition to the Merseyrail network, it also operates at ScotRail, Abellio Greater Anglia and Northern Rail locations.

Its launch was made possible with a £1.65m grant from the department of transport that was matched by funding from the rail companies, according to the Guardian, which also reported that the scheme was modelled on a similar bike hire concept operating in the Netherlands.