Council stifling new enterprise

1:31pm Thursday 27th March 2008

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Whether we like it or not, the economy of York is more reliant on tourism and less on rail, sugar and confectionery.

You would think, therefore, that City of York Council would be supportive of any enterprise that enhances tourism, adds another experience for the visitor to talk about back home and brings cash to the city.

From The Press's coverage, it seems that barriers are being put in the way of the proposed cycle taxis or pedicabs (Wheels in motion, The Press, March 19).

They would be the most environmentally-friendly form of travel around the city centre, and on this basis should be actively encouraged.

The argument against their use based on slowing down traffic is rather weak considering the pace of the half-empty open-top buses (complete with exhausts), the horse-drawn carriages, the National Railway Museum road train and illegally parked vehicles. The fear of an excessive amount of pedicabs is easily remedied by having a sensible restriction on numbers.

As for the use of pedestrian streets, at an appropriate pace and with priority given to those on foot, I cannot see them being any more dangerous to the pedestrian than the stream of cycles, vans and cars - the corrupt use of disabled badges is another topic - that you have to dodge when walking these areas.

The safety of passengers, of course, is important, but there are risks from other road users. What about cycles with children in rear trailers; should we ban them? Some degree of risk has to be accepted.

York council should be actively pushing this forward, not stalling and looking for reasons against. We don't attract four million visitors a year and win tourism awards by stifling enterprise.

J Lane, Osbaldwick, York.

* WITH reference to pedicabs, on the surface they would seem logical compared with motor vehicles entering the city centre.

But, on the other hand, with the constant problems of illegal cyclists weaving their way in and out of footways, one assumes the pedicabs will have preference in their lawful pursuit.

If permission is granted by City of York Council, I take it they will be adequately covered by insurance for passengers and pedestrians alike, plus cover in inclement weather.

It may well work in China and other eastern cities, where traffic gridlock and pollution is rife, but I consider our present horse-drawn carriages a little more upmarket, if one ignores the horse droppings.

I also look forward to York councillors and their guests being transported by pedicabs.

After all, they should set an example.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.