IT may not be Bombay or Beijing but Bridport's streets will soon have a sight more familiar to these cities.
Businesses, residents and Magna Housing Association tenants will have the use of two cycle- rickshaws as part of a transport scheme from Bridport TLC.
The volunteer-led community recycling project works to cut carbon emissions and landfill waste in and around the town.
It is known for turning waste vegetable oil into environmentally friendly biodiesel, used by businesses, delivery and passenger vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint.
It launched Ring and Ride Rickshaws, with the help of Oliver Letwin MP and around-the-world adventurer Jason Lewis.
Mr Lewis, of Askerswell, pedalled the taxi vehicle - with passengers Mr Letwin and Magna chief executive Graham Colls - through a ribbon and out of the TLC depot at St Michael's Trading Estate.
They were followed by the cargo rickshaw, ridden by Clive Groves, of Groves Nurseries, carrying TLC co-founder Tess Dickson and rickshaw scheme co-ordinator Rosie Jones.
Magna has funded the passenger rickshaw so its tenants can benefit from a low-cost, carbon-free taxi service around town. It is hoped it will also be used by the wider public in the summer for trips to West Bay, for example.
The cargo vehicle has been funded by Groves Nurseries and will be used by Bridport TLC to collect recyclable business waste.
It will also be available to collect and deliver goods and waste to and from the town's households.
This rickshaw will begin immediate use, while the taxi version will operate from January 2008.
Bridport TLC co-founder Tess Dickson said: "This project is an example of partnerships between private, public and voluntary sectors that the town and all those involved can be proud of.
"We would like to thank Magna, Groves Nurseries, King Kabs, West Dorset District Council and all our volunteers."
http://www.thisisdorset.net/display.var.1873991.0.cycle_taxis_hit_the_street_in_towns_green_revolution.php |