A NEW form of transport is heading to the streets of the York as a rickshaw company pedals out of Edinburgh into the city.

Operating in the Scottish capital since 2001, b-spokes is now preparing to open its second site in York after securing ten rickshaw licences from City of York Council.

The business has already appointed a local manger to head-up the York operation, and expects to create around 20 jobs once up an running.

As well as running a taxi service, b-spokes also operates a delivery service via cargo-bikes, and advertising for business through ad-bikes as well as running promotions on the rickshaws.

Joe Allenza, who owns b-spokes with his father Nino, said: "We have been looking for another city to operate in for a while.

"The reason it works in Edinburgh is the city's popularity among tourists and students.

"We looked for cities with similar cultures and saw York as a great opportunity.

"We have been in talks with City of York Council which has been very receptive and helpful in getting us up and running."

Operating out of the Raylor Centre, in James Street, b-spokes is hoping to be operational within a month.

Staff are currently being recruited to ride the rickshaws, and will all be offered professional training and cycling licences.

From its operation in Edinburgh b-spokes has provided branded rickshaws and tricycle ad-bike services to companies such as SSE, Virgin, Rewind Festival, The Scotsman, Paterson’s, Fat Face and White Stuff.

Mr Allenza said the rickshaws have also proved to be popular for weddings, while the delivery service offers couriers a quicker, greener way to deliver parcels into the city centre.

He said: "There's the opportunity to work with some really good businesses in York and we are looking forward to building up good relationships.

"We are passionate about pedal power and protecting the environment. Our ethos is to create a more sustainable future and use pedal power to help reduce carbon emissions."