Rickshaw plans to be debated by Cheltenham Borough Council

“Its the company's own business whether they make any money or not. I'm sure he knows what he's doing and for a change isn't some money grabber trying to get rich. As for taxis, there are too many anyway, most of them useless, and a bit of novelty competition will do them good. Heaven forbid we allow any enterprise in this Town.”

“Why not introduce a bike hire scheme like one in London or Dublin? I vaguely remember one before which was unsuccessful, but now there are successful models to copy.

There would only need to be two or three main hubs, the best locations being the train station and the promenade. There are two dedicated cycle facilities that run between these two destinations: the honeybourne line and the bike track that runs along Lansdown road - it'll need to be extended down to the promenade though to provide a continuous segregrated path.”

“Try taking this business plan to a bank for financing? I'd be very surprized if anyone was really interested in investing in such folly, I certainly wouldn't.
It must be that every few years someone comes up with a daft idea. The last was the noddy train now we have pedal powered moble traffic jams, which will be over taxed, over licensed (because that's what councils always do) too expensive, little used and dangerous.
If a local novalty is needed how about "exploring" the possiblity of (and only exploring at this stage) a system of vintage style town centre electric trams. Blackpool does ok with such a system, (not that my intention was to compare Blackpool with Cheltenham).”

“Does anyone in TIG even read their previous articles, or just regurgitate Council press releases?

This idea is dead in the water - quoting from TIG on 15 / 12 / 2012:

James Meyer is one of the directors of Rickshaw Revolution, the company which wanted to bring the vehicles to Cheltenham. He said that while the Law Commission's report may be presented next year, rickshaw legislation would take much longer to become law.

He said: "As a result of the council's decision, rickshaws in Cheltenham have been killed off. I am furious and astounded at the council's hypocrisy in saying what a wonderful idea they think this is but in practice being so obstructive."”

“Having seen rickshaws at work in central London recently, I'd be quite happy NOT to see them in Cheltenham.

In central London they are everywhere, and appear when observed from a safe distance to be a complete law unto themselves. Rules of the road are pretty much ignored, as are other vehicles & pedestrians. Don't know how many serious incidents / accidents there have been in London since rickshaws were introduced there, but there must have been plenty from what I've recently seen of their activities.

No need for them in Cheltenham, apart perhaps during the Cheltenham Festival. And if introduced then, we can expect a war between the rickshaws and the existing taxis, who would lose out on trade.

Not a good idea, in my opinion.”

“Meanwhile - anyone with a whole brain (sorry thomas, I couldn't resist) will realise that most of the objection are easily overcome and that Cheltenham is sufficiently small with plenty of backroads for this to be viable - especially during the 70 to 75 days worth of festivals per year that take place in the town.
I think my main argument is that I wouldldn't be so quick to dismiss this idea and the it is worth a trail, for say 6 months. I'm sure they will find problems but I'm also sure that rickshaw drivers and those managing the trial (even those with half a brain) will quickly find workable solutions.”

“I thought this idea had died a non-profitable death, anyone with half a business brain will know the only time of the year it would make a profit is Gold Cup week, just once a year and ONLY if the weather was dry....and how many of us could guarantee that in 2 months time? It might work in Oxford with so many roads devoted to cycle traffic but not in congested Cheltenham.”

“I thought this ridiculous idea was dead and buried.”

“I still think these are a good idea. I imagine they could be very popular from the train station to the town centre or hotels.
There are no hills to speak of in the area, and they would add character to the towns many festivals. If they wanted to run longer distances it might even be worth trialling electic assisted variants for, say the journey to/from the racecourse or when there is an especially heavy load.
These would be especially relevant during events such as the Sustainable MotoExpo or science festival, and the scope for using them to promote Cheltenham as a venue is enormous.”