Pedicargo launches service to businesses

Following a successful eight-week trial with Herefordshire Council when 2,500 files and building samples were transported across Hereford, Hereford's new pedicargo service has now launched to other businesses in the city.

Representatives from city businesses attended a special launch night at Green Café in St Owen's Street where they were able to see the pedicargo vehicles, hear about its successful trial and have any questions on the service answered.

Herefordshire Council has used the pedicargo service over the past eight weeks to transport planning files which are requested by members of the public.
Anthony Sawyer, Herefordshire Council's senior archivist, said using the pedicargo service benefited the council both in cost saving and reduced impact on the environment.

Prior to the service being available, members of council staff would have to drive their own vehicle to deliver these items. The return to the council in both staff productivity and reduced impact on the environment will now be tracked to compile exact statistics on saved carbon emissions, improved productivity and reduced labour cost.

The service to the public has improved because, as long as files were requested before 10.30am, they were delivered to Garrick House within an hour whereas before it would be the following morning.

"Our customer services staff have been delighted with the new courier because it means they can help the public to access what they want both quickly and efficiently and this helps to further improve the service they offer," Anthony said.

Will Vaughan and Ben Matthews, who run the Pedicargo business, are aiming to provide a sustainable, pedal powered, zero emission cargo service to businesses and the local authority in Herefordshire, which will operate under their core values of keeping things fun, green and honest.

With the backing of Herefordshire Council's sustainable transport team, the Pedicabs will also be advertising the council on their Pedicargo vehicles, which will have a secure container for transporting boxes of documents.

Pedicargo riders are able to haul up to a quarter of a ton on their specialist bikes. The cycle networks allow quick and efficient access to council buildings and many industrial estates, enabling them to bypass the problems of road congestion in Hereford.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "We have been pleased with the trial and are now working out detailed figures on the benefits it offers both in terms of costs and providing a better service to the public. We then hope we may be able to extend the service to other council departments."

Will Vaughan said: "Not only can we do quick, efficient, same-day delivery, but we can reduce the cost to a business of sending a member of staff across town with a parcel, thus increasing productivity while providing an environmentally friendly and fun way of transporting goods."

Any companies interested in using the pedicargo service are asked to contact Will Vaughan on 07718320195 or email will@herefordpedicabs.com

No money or valuables will be carried on the Pedicargo vehicles.