In this week's Me and My Bike column, Richard James is extolling the virtues of his Hercules Cargo.

Purchased from Ebay, it's the perfect way for him to get around Southampton.

Richard told the Daily Echo: "The Hercules Cargo is known as a long john style of cargo bike which means the load, or passenger, is in a box in front of you so you can keep an eye on it. Having a long wheelbase means you sort of sweep round corners which can be fun.

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"The Hercules is a replacement for my previous long john which was a Bakfiets. I loved riding the Bakfiets but the Hercules has electric assist and better brakes, both of which make riding a cargo bike easier and safer.

"For short trips and errands around town, it is more convenient than a car as well as cheaper to run.

"If I am taking my daughter anywhere I can always drop her off at the door, no worries about finding a parking space even if it is bigger than a normal bike.

"These days it mostly only gets used for doing the weekly food shop. When my daughter was younger I would take her most places by cargo bike - school, brownies, swimming - and she really enjoyed it as a way of getting around.

"Just about any journey I do in Southampton is under three miles, so a bike is much more efficient and economical than a car. Bikes are easier to find parking space for and better for the environment. They are also a good way of staying active and getting exercise, no need for a gym membership."

Richard, whose long list of dream bikes include the Velove Armadillo, Quattrovelo and ICE Full Fat Trike, would recommend a cargo bike to anyone. But he suggests trying as many as you can before you buy.

Richard is the subject of our Me and My Bike column. If you think your bike is better than any car, click on the link below to take part.