A PIONEERING Northwich cyclist is demonstrating how delivery vehicles can be replaced by pollution-free bicycles.

Paul Dean established his own business (Pauls Cycling Services) about a year ago, offering deliveries to people using one his two specially adapted trikes.

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And now, community group Transition Northwich, has been singing his praises after his pedal power provided them with an environmentally-friendly solution to a transport conundrum.

"When Paul offered to help move 6'x6' trellis panels to our community garden, we were delighted but curious," explained Alison Chew, who volunteers with Transition Northwich.

"How could he possibly move such a large load by bike?

"Amazingly, we watched Paul effortlessly load the trellis onto his bike trailer, secure it with bungee straps and peddle away.

"It was a joy to see the panels travel from Castle to Leicester Street without engine noise or emission pollution.

"We stopped off to see Kirsty at ‘Weigh of the World’ and to refuel with her delicious snack bars, then glided round to Rod's Secret (Community) Garden, where the trellis will now be used for climbing plants."

Northwich Guardian: Paul Dean started his own unqiue cycle delivery service last year Photo Faye Cleaver

Paul Dean started his own unique cycle delivery service last year. Photo Faye Cleaver 

Explaining how he got started on his drive for a healthier form of delivery, he said: "It started back in May, when my sister was getting rid of her sofa.

"I offered to take it on my bike, as sort of a joke.

"Out of the blue, people started popping up interested in me moving other things for them.

"And so, the business was born.

"I’m still delivering progressively bigger things, most recently a pair of electric recliner sofas.

"No load too big – yet!"

Transition Northwich have recently launched a new Facebook group - Transition Northwich Active Travel Group - with the aim of encouraging people to reduce their car use on short journeys and campaign for positive changes in the town to make walking and cycling easier and safer.

Their 'TN Friendly Bikers' group welcomes cyclists of all abilities to ride together.

"Cycling in a group is social and helps build everyone's confidence," Alison went on to explain, after started cycling much more during lock-down.

“It's great to get out cycling again after nearly two decades.

"It’s made me realise how far I can travel easily by bike.

"It’s fun to ride with a friendly group, sharing knowledge of local routes, quiet back roads, and how to repair and service our bikes ourselves."

Government records show that the majority of journeys over a mile are made in a car or van - even for distances of one to two miles, over 60 per cent of journeys are made by motor vehicle.

The majority of all journeys made in 2017 were under five miles, so could have been easily undertaken without the use of a car.

The UK falls far behind other countries when it comes to cycling.

In the Netherlands 26 per cent of journeys are made by bike, followed by Denmark at 18 per cent and 10 per cent in Germany compared to just 2 per cent in the UK.

Northwich Guardian: Alison Chew and Pam French on a TN Friendly Bikers ride to Tatton Park Photo Faye Cleaver

Alison Chew and Pam French on a TN Friendly Bikers ride to Tatton Park. Photo Faye Cleaver

"We'd love to see more people cycling in Northwich," said Gary Onslow of Transition Northwich.

"The benefits of cleaner air, exercise, and well-being are well understood.

"If we try to reduce our car use for local journeys and deliveries, as Paul has shown is possible, we will transform our town.

"We are delighted that Cllr Andrew Cooper listened to Kirsty’s request to install cycle parking racks near the library.

"We now want our roads to be cycle friendly throughout Northwich."