A VERY GREEN RIDE: Sustainable transport has arrived in Totnes!

Totnes residents and visitors will shortly have the opportunity to avoid the uphill walk from the River Dart through Fore Street into High Street by taking a ride in what must be one of the most eco friendly vehicles in Britain today. 

Two Indian rickshaws have been imported. Their engines have been converted in the UK to run on bio fuel produced from the recycling of locally collected cooking oil. They made their debut appearance in Autumn 2007 at a ‘launch’ held at Schumacher College on Dartington Hall Estate.

This Spring, the rickshaw has become a more familiar sight around town as drivers are undertaking a familiarisation course, (no fare paying passengers yet though).  Once the appropriate licenses are obtained the rickshaws will operate a regular service from the River Dart at Steamer Quay to the Rotherfold (a public space at the top end of High Street).

Visitors will then be able to enjoy a leisurely downhill stroll through Totnes’ High Street and Fore Street. As they take their pick of food from local restaurants and takeaways they will know that they arel helping to fuel future rickshaw rides!

The vehicles are very fuel efficient. They can achieve 80 kilometres to the litre with a top speed of 50 km per hour.  (Way in excess of what will actually be needed!). The project was the brainchild of local businessman Pete Ryeland. It was initially supported by means of interest free loans from local traders who are now the directors/shareholders of the company.  Additionally, following registration of the Company as a CIC (Community Interest Company), grant assistance from South Hams District Council has been secured.

A number of local restaurants, fast food outlets and businesses throughout Totnes have already been signed up to provide the used cooking oil. We propose that we make our own bio fuel with the assistance of the Totnes community for this operation to be based within the town, and also eventually to supply the public with bio fuel.

It is hoped that South Hams District Council will be able to provide a collection point for used cooking oil, thus encouraging local people to recycle their cooking oil instead of pouring it down the sink. That will mean that the drains will not get so clogged up with oil and will require less frequent cleaning! 

The Totnes Rickshaw Company proposes to use all profits from their enterprise for the benefit of the local community – starting with the regeneration of the Rotherfold area. A further development has been the interest generated in hiring the rickshaws for weddings and other special events and occasions.

Watch this space for a few VIP rides coming soon!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

totnes_rickshaw@hotmail.co.uk

The Totnes Rickshaw Company
66 High Street
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5SG

07747 388382

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