Parcel and letters delivery firm Royal Mail is to phase out the use of bikes by some of its postal workers.

Royal Mail has revealed plans to phase out the use of bikes by its postmen and women in Devon.

The parcel delivery service said that while bikes are an eco friendly way of getting letters and parcels to customers, it needs to "meet the changing needs of our customers and the evolving mail market we need to adopt a different delivery approach for the future".

Speaking to local news source the Sidmouth Herald, a postman who works in Exeter said that while riding a bike is great exercise, it is not a practical way of delivery post and parcels.

"It's nice to use bikes when the weather is good but when it's raining and it's 5am it can be miserable," he explained.

Representatives from Devon County Council are now seeking to have a meeting with Royal Mail to discuss the new parcel delivery plans.

Another parcel delivery firm working to meet consumer demand is UPS, which recently revealed the opening of a new hub in Asia.

Posted by Sarah Gower.

Article Added: 20/05/2010 13:29:32