Posties on bikes? It's not a sight you'll see for very much

[pickaname]

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/Po ... 6392406.jp
30 June 2010
By Jeff Travis
It's a familiar sight that is traditionally British - the postie delivering your mail on a bicycle.
But a battle is on against a controversial move that could make pedal-powered deliveries a thing of the past in our area.

Royal Mail is looking to replace bicycles with vans and battery-powered trolleys.

After 130 years of the tradition, Royal Mail claims it poses a safety risk for workers and that bikes cannot carry enough post or travel far enough.

But David Willetts, the MP for Havant and a keen cyclist, has now written to Royal Mail demanding a rethink.

Mr Willetts said: 'For me as a cyclist I think that bicycles are a great way of getting round and delivering things.

'They are also incredibly environmentally-friendly.

'They keep postmen and women in contact with the local community. They say it's for health and safety reasons, but I would be very interested to know what these reasons are.

'If there are safety reasons, we have been living dangerously for a long time.'

Portsmouth Cycle Forum said the plan would add more traffic to the congested roads of the city, which is largely flat and suited to cycling.

Roger Inkpen, from the forum, said: 'We feel strongly that cycling should not just be seen as a leisure activity, but as a low-carbon transport solution.'

The policy began gathering pace last December under former Royal Mail chief executive Adam Crozier.

Based on 'a reduction in the number of delivery accidents', the policy would see 24,000 bicycles nationally replaced with vans. Around 500 bikes would survive - only on rural routes.

Mr Crozier said Royal Mail would be spending £120m on about 2,400 electric-powered trolleys and 24,000 lightweight trolleys.

He added: 'It will help take the weight off our people's backs — although it will mean, of course, that fewer of them will be using bikes.'

But Mr Willetts has now written to the new chief executive Moya Greene in the hope of a U-turn and is still awaiting a response.

The scheme has already been piloted in several towns and could be rolled out nationally.

Ruth Harris, branch secretary of the Communication Workers' Union, said: 'I think in some areas it's going to work. 'In some areas it's not going to work. I think the majority don't like change and would rather be out on their bikes in town centres.'

She added that vans parking in busy town centres could be a problem.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said the company was looking at providing 'a modern postal operation to the changing needs of customers and staff'.

No senior manager was available to speak to The News.

However, a statement said: 'We will continue to use a range of vans, trolleys and bikes and there are no plans to phase out bikes completely'

[packmule]

After 130 years of the tradition, Royal Mail claims it poses a safety risk for workers and that bikes cannot carry enough post or travel far enough.

And they keep saying volumes are down !!!!

Cake and eat it ??

[Straight4ward]

For the first and perhaps the only time in my life, I find myself in agreement with David "Two Brains" Willetts.

I have a horrible feeling that the end must be getting very near for me.

Send for the men in white coats.