Book a rickshaw to the pier
Published: 10:33 AM December 12, 2009
THEY are a familiar site on the streets of India and from next year a rickshaw will be plying its way around Great Yarmouth.Kyle Hearney spotted a business opportunity after seeing rickshaws operating in London and will begin running a service in the town next spring.
THEY are a familiar site on the streets of India and from next year a rickshaw will be plying its way around Great Yarmouth.
Kyle Hearney spotted a business opportunity after seeing rickshaws operating in London and will begin running a service in the town next spring.
The 23 year old will be adding to the town's colourful transport mix alongside the seafront landau drivers and the road train.
Although expecting to cater mainly for holidaymakers wanting an unusual way of travelling the Golden Mile, Kyle is able go all over the town. Like taxi drivers he had to take a knowledge test before being granted a licence to carry passengers.
Kyle, from Caister, is starting the business known as Pedal Pods with just one rickshaw, but may get a second if it proves a success.
The pedal powered three wheeler was purchased from an operator in London and has been given a lick of paint and re-upholstered to make it more attractive.
A small carriage attached to a cycle, Kyle's rickshaw can carry up to three passengers and will be available for hire in front of the Britannia Pier.
It can also be booked as an unusual means of transport for special occasions such as weddings, parties and school proms.
A former communications officer with Norfolk Police he had been interested in running a rickshaw service for some time and got his plans into gear after losing his job in January.
A �900 grant from Enterprise GY helped towards the start up costs of the business.
He said: "My last job came to an end and after a couple of months not going anywhere I decided to set this up.
"I saw that rickshaws were popular with tourists in London and thought it would be good to have one in Yarmouth, it is something different and environmentally friendly.
"They are a standard means of transport in many Asian countries, but obviously have more of a novelty value here.
"I plan to operate the service six days a week during the summer and will probably be looking forward to a long rest afterwards.
"Luckily the seafront is very flat so it shouldn't be too difficult to get along and I have been getting fit giving lifts to my friends and family."
Any businesses interested in advertising on the rickshaw should call Kyle on 07804397755 or email kylehearney@hotmail.com.