Birthday Fun at Bike & Go’s ‘Pedal ‘n’ Picnic’ ride

Casual cyclists came out in full force over the weekend to celebrate bike hire scheme Bike & Go’s third birthday with a free ‘Pedal ‘n’ Picnic’ ride.

Adults and children alike joined the party, riding along the Wirral Way, with a stop at picturesque Cubbins Green for a picnic and birthday cake. They then cycled on to Thurstaston for more refreshments, before riding back to West Kirby.

The party left from West Kirby train station, with many cyclists taking advantage of the free Bike & Go bike hire they had been offered in order to take part in the event.

Lisa Shannon, who writes local blog Into the Glade!, went along to the event with her daughter Evie, 13.

Lisa, from Eastham, Wirral, said: “It was a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning, pedalling along the flower-lined Wirral way under a blue sky. We have been inspired to get back out on our bikes, not only do we get to see so much more but we appreciate the major health benefits too.

“I know many of my readers have been inspired too, and for those who live in flats with no room to store bikes, they can now benefit from the scheme at a fantastic price.”

Linda van der Haar, Bike & Go’s Business Manager said: “It was a fantastic day, and a great way of celebrating a successful first three years for Bike & Go. The community really got behind this event, and it was great to see many people who hadn’t ridden a bike in years laughing and smiling as they enjoyed the health and social benefits that cycling can bring.”

Since launching in 2013, Bike & Go has expanded to offer bike hire facilities from almost 70 participating train stations across the North West, North East and Yorkshire, East and South East of England, and Scotland, with more locations opening this year.

The scheme was recently praised by a UK division of the travel giant TripAdvisor when it was included in a list of the top seven bicycle hire companies drawn up by its subsidiary rental company Holiday Lettings.