TRAIN users are set to benefit from a cycling initiative at Knutsford railway station.

The Bike & Go scheme was launched at Liverpool’s Central Station in August.

Sixteen stations are now live, but Bike & Go expects to reach 50 locations across the UK by the end of this year.

Bike & Go is run by a Dutch company, modelled on a successful scheme in the Netherlands, and business manager Andrew Bristow told the Guardian he is confident it will catch on.

“Your journey doesn’t finish when you get to the train station,” he said.

“It’s getting to where you want to be; whether that’s your mum’s house, to work or for days out with friends.

“Knutsford is a great spot as it’s close to places like Tatton Park and has a range of local amenities that are accessible by bike.”

Following an annual subscription of £10, users can pay £3.80 to hire a bike for 24 hours and keep it for up to three days.

“We are working with MerseyRail, Greater Anglia and Northern Rail,” Andrew said.

“We’ve adjusted the bikes in different areas, adding more gears for the hillier north.

“It’s different setting up in Knutsford than the centre of London, which is obviously a hot spot – it takes time and we are going live in the winter months so that by springtime people are well aware of it.

“It’s an interesting idea, it’s been successful at our other stations and I’m confident it will work well for Knutsford.”

Sally Buttifant, Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership Officer, also believes the scheme will be a success.

“We are really excited about the initiative coming to Knutsford,” she said.

“It will benefit people commuting and those who are using it for leisure.

“It gives people that flexibility – for example if you want a day out at Tatton Park, but don’t want to stroll around the grounds, then for £3.80 you can hire a bike.

“It also complements the other bike facilities we already have at the station.

“This isn’t a scheme for committed cyclists, it’s suited to occasional users.”

What do you think about the bikes at Knutsford train station? Email yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk.