FUTURISTIC pedal powered vehicles are helping pedestrians and shoppers get around the city centre this week.

As part of European Mobility Week and In Town Without My Car celebrations, Newport is home to the environmentally-friendly Ad Bikes which have been seen in major cities around the world.

Newport Mayor Ken Critchley was the first to hop on board as the bikes made their first trip from the top of High Street yesterday.

The futuristic city cruisers use state of the art technology. Travelling at 25 km/h they offer an alternative way to get around the city.

The bikes, which offer a free lift, are available from September 14 - 24.

A council spokesman said: "Why lug those heavy shopping bags around when you can hop in and travel effortlessly to key points around the centre?"

The bikes will serve the main shopping centre as well as the train and bus stations, taking in High Street, Market Street, Griffin Street, Upper Dock Street, Corn Street, Commercial Street and Kingsway.

Cardiff Adbikes, who will be running the fleet in Newport, was launched by Mike Parfitt, a graduate of the Business School at the University of Wales, Newport, in August last year.

The modern-day rickshaws have proved popular world-wide and can be seen in major cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Dresden, Amsterdam and Barcelona.

For more information or to view the route visit www. newport.gov.uk/itwmc