Hexham is a vibrant and beautiful historic market town that sees high footfall, especially on market days. However, the town centre is heavily congested, with limited pedestrianised and cycling space and accessibility issues for many. ACT Tynedale CIC plans to establish an electric cycle-rickshaw taxi and 'last mile' cargo service for Hexham. The taxi service will primarily benefit people experiencing mobility challenges, by providing cleaner, cheaper access to the centre of town. The ‘last mile’ delivery service will give central businesses a faster, greener alternative for their shipping requirements. Our electric cycle-rickshaw will also offer pleasure rides to locals and tourists alike showcasing the green spaces and rich history found in Hexham. Hexham’s electric cycle-rickshaw will not only benefit the local economy, benefit the community and raise the profile of our wonderful town, it will also reduce air pollution and showcase a zero carbon transport alternative.

What we'll deliver:

• An electric cycle rickshaw taxi service prioritising people with mobility challenges
• 'Last mile' cargo service for centrally located businesses
• Pleasure rides around the parks and beauty spots of Hexham

Why it's a great idea:

The Electric cycle-rickshaw will Improve Hexham's air quality, benefit locals, and boost the local economy. By reducing car/van journeys to and from Hexham Town Centre, CO2, NO2 and particulate (PM2.5) emissions will fall, improving air quality and people's health. Reducing car/van journeys will ease congestion which will boost the economy by; • Lowering travel times; • Increase pedestrian footfall as air quality improves. By operating a 'pay as you feel' system our Hexham electric cycle-rickshaw will enable easier access to the centre for people with low incomes. Our electric rickshaw will also prioritise services for those experiencing mobility challenges. The pleasure rides will raise Hexham's profile and boost the economy, by introducing visitors to local beauty spots and the rich history of the town. This service will bring mental health benefits to the community by transporting people to green spaces and offering friendly, safe, face-to-face interactions.

Steps to get it done:

• Confirm CIC status
• Purchasing the electric rickshaw
• Making our first journey transporting a customer to the town centre
• Making our first journey delivering goods to a business in Hexham town centre

The town centre hosts regionally famous markets, which have been running for centuries. The centre is also home to the majority of Hexham's celebrated independent business. Accessing the centre can be a struggle for many because it is up a steep hill from the majority of large car parks. The topography forces many to drive into the centre to visit the shops and market. The Electric Rickshaw would provide an exciting and novel alternative way to get up the hill. Hexham town centre has a rich history, with parts of the Abbey being over 1,200 years old. In addition, the street layout of the centre is medieval and as a result struggles to accommodate MGV and HGV vehicles bringing deliveries. These trucks also cause blockages to through traffic. The electric rickshaw goods delivery service could begin to reduce the need for such large vehicles to enter the town centre, making for cleaner, safer and faster goods delivery service.