It looks like a wheelbarrow attached to a bike - but transport experts believe it could be the solution to school-run traffic.

Families in Richmond are being asked to swap their 4x4s for a more environmentally friendly mode of transport: Dutch cargo bikes.

Each costs from £1,150 and can carry a rider and up to three young children, or the weekly family shop. The "wheelbarrow" section is fitted with seatbelts for children.

The Richmond project has been given £5,000 funding by Transport for London. The fleet of four are kept at Stepping Stones nursery and are borrowed by parents for short trips.

Since May 2007, when the project was launched, the bikes have been in non-stop use, organisers say.

Jessica Anderson, a founder of the Parents for Pedal Power Project, uses one to carry her children Jemima four, and Hugo, three.

Ms Anderson, who is seven months pregnant, said: "The bikes have changed our lives and the children love it. We have a cover for when it rains, and while I might get wet the children are cosy.

"I've used it for grocery shopping, getting to after-school activities, trips to the park and even to the recycling bank with a load of cardboard and bottles. It can be quite tough but you do save on gym membership.

"It's the ultimate eco-friendly people carrier."

The popularity of the machines, is likely to have been boosted by Richmond raising the cost of a parking permit for a large-engined "gas guzzler" to £150.

It is also considering charging £75 for an annual permit to drop children off at school by car.

Tony Juniper, director of Friends of the Earth, said he had bought his wife a cargo bike for Christmas: "We've been trying to cut down on car use and this is perfect for shopping and carrying heavier goods. We even take our youngest to chess matches."

A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said cargo bikes looked no more dangerous than other bicycles, but added: "It will handle differently from a normal one so people should get training or practice first in a safe environment."

The Richmond scheme won a prize at TfL's annual Cycling Community Awards. For a demonstration in Richmond Park ring 07795 203718.

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