Pedal power is the answer Refinery blockades, surging fuel prices, and panic-buying at the pumps have left many people counting the cost - and hassle - of getting round the North-East. But a group of students have come up with a novel way of allowing travellers to sit back while someone else does all the leg-work. And the bright yellow rickshaws could prove a popular option across Newcastle's city centre. Newcastle Tricycle Taxis, the brainchild of PhD student Cassim Ladha, has now taken delivery of three specially-built `pedicabs,' each costing around £3,600. The firm is hoping to launch the new service on the city's streets by early next week. Newcastle University electrical engineering student Cassim, 21, of Welbeck Road, Walker, will provide the pedal-power, along with fellow students, Tom Shaw, 24, and Ged Desforges, both of Heaton. "We've already had a few test drives, with a couple of friends in the back, and we managed to get up Dean Street," said Cassim. "It's fairly tough, but as time progresses we think it can only get easier." Before the trio can start ferrying passengers around the city they must pass a specially-designed "locality test", examining their knowledge of tourist attractions in the area. The tricycles will carry the same privileges as black cabs and can be hailed anywhere in the city, and beyond. "It's exactly the same as a black cab, and we can pick-up and drop off anywhere," Cassim said. "But we will be staying within the main city area. It wouldn't be easy to head to places like the coast or the airport!" The firm is also looking at focusing their business down by the Quayside, where flat cycle lanes provide an easy way to pick-up hotel guests wanting a night on the town. And they are recruiting up to 10 more drivers to help cover the city. Cassim said: "Obviously they will need to be fairly confident bike riders, and quite physically fit." Licensing manager for Newcastle City Council, David O'Brien, yesterday said he hopes to provide the oral locality test for the students by early next week. The council is allowing the pedicabs in the city on a six-month trial, after which they will be reviewed. "We are working with the company to get things up and running as soon as possible," Mr O'Brien said. But taxi drivers in the city yesterday seemed nonplussed by the idea. Geoff McNally, manager of Newcastle cab firm ABC, said: "I can see it working in the summer, but it gets pretty cold in the winter for something like that." * Anyone interested in working for Newcastle Tricycle Taxis can call Cassim on (07886) 185668. Page 3: Relief for business bosses | 
