New Free Bike Hire Scheme Connects Salford Rail to RHS Bridgewater

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-07 11:39 2 min read

A man in a black jacket stands beside public rental bicycles under a bridge.

A new pilot bike hire scheme has launched in Salford, providing a sustainable transport link between Walkden Station and RHS Garden Bridgewater. Funded by Active Travel England, the initiative aims to simplify the final leg of the journey for visitors traveling by train, removing the need for a car to reach the popular horticultural site.

How the Scheme Works for Visitors

The service is operated by Manchester Bikes, a Salford-based company located on Chapel Street. To access the bikes, users must download and utilize the dedicated community bikeshare app developed by MOSA. This technology is designed to provide a seamless rental experience, allowing visitors to unlock a bike at the station and proceed directly to the gardens via the established walking and cycling route.

To ensure a smooth arrival, visitors are encouraged to download the official app and complete the registration process in advance of their trip. This allows for a quicker transition from the train platform to the cycle path upon arrival at Walkden Station.

Local Impact and Accessibility

RHS Garden Bridgewater, which opened in 2022 as the fifth public garden under the Royal Horticultural Society, has integrated deeply with the local area. In addition to this new transport link, the site continues to offer free entry to Salford residents every Tuesday, an initiative secured by Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett.

Councillor Mike McCusker, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Planning, Transport, Sustainable Development and Regeneration, noted that the bike hire scheme is a significant step in making the site more accessible. The project reflects a broader commitment to innovation in Salford, with local infrastructure projects serving as a testing ground for active travel solutions. By integrating rail travel with active cycling, the council hopes to reduce traffic congestion and encourage more residents and tourists to choose sustainable transport options.

Pilot Timeline and Future Considerations

This pilot project is scheduled to run until October 2026. As the initiative is part of an innovation fund, the council is actively monitoring usage data to determine if this bike-share model can be successfully expanded to other key locations across the city. The long-term future of the scheme will depend on the uptake and feedback collected throughout the duration of the pilot.

Feature	Details
Service Provider	Manchester Bikes (Salford-based)
Technology Partner	MOSA (Community bikeshare app)
Funding Source	Active Travel England Innovation Fund
Pilot Duration	Active until October 2026
Primary Route	Walkden Station to RHS Garden Bridgewater

Visitors planning to use the service should check the official council news channels for any updates to the scheme as the pilot progresses toward the October 2026 conclusion.

Source: Salford City Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Editorial verification

The details regarding the pilot program, funding source, and operational partners were verified against the official Salford City Council announcement.

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