7:10am Thursday 18th March 2010
By David Paine
RICKSHAWS could soon be riding along the banks of the Severn in Worcester as part of plans to boost tourism.
The pedicabs, which would carry a maximum of three passengers, could even be fitted with an audio commentary system to explain the history and significance of tourist attractions, such as the cathedral.
The idea is that about four privately financed pedicabs – similar to those that have been in operation in Hereford for three years – would run on a looped 2.39 mile circuit between the main Worcester Bridge and the new £2 million foot and cycle bridge, currently under construction, linking Diglis and Lower Wick The proposed cost of a ride in a pedicab, which would have seatbelts, rain covers, storage and space for advertising, has not yet been decided.
Marcus Sparrow of PediTours said: “We believe this is exciting and innovative and will bring tourism into the city. We think it will contribute to that sector and will make better use of the riverside and connecting people with places.”
After Mr Sparrow’s PediTours presentation to the licensing committee at the Guildhall on Tuesday, some concerns were raised about the safety of pedestrians and other cyclists if they use the same designated foot and cycle routes as the pedicabs.
However, the presentation showed that initial responses from Worcestershire County Council, as the highways authority, and West Mercia Police indicated neither had any objections to the scheme in principal.
Georgia Smith, head of tourism body VisitWorcester, has also indicated support for the idea, although she has asked for more details about the routes, how pedicabs and pedestrians will mix on all sections of the circuit, and what content would be included in the audio tour.
Councillor Keith Burton said while he thought it was a “great idea” he wondered whether pedicabs might be better served as a tourist attraction by taking people around the centre of Worcester rather than just along the riverside.
Councillor Mike Layland, also supportive of the idea, said more work needed to be done before a full proposal comes before the licensing committee - due on Tuesday, June 15.
Mr Sparrow, in charge of technical sales for mobile advertising company PediAds, is also a planning officer but Worcester City Council has agreed to allow him to carry out his self-employed work in his own time at his own expense.
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