St Bernard travelling in a sidecar
© bbccambridgeshire/ Instagram

Cambridgeshire: "Sidecar riding" St Bernard has onlookers in stitches (video)

By Greta Inglis

A dog-lover from Cambridgeshire has attracted attention across the UK, after he converted his sidecar so that his St Bernard Louis could join him on adventures.

Alan Valkieth and his 8-year-old St Bernard Louis have become local celebrities in their hometown of March, Cambridgeshire, after the devoted dog owner arranged a special conversion. 

The duo regularly ride around town in the converted sidecar, which was modified to accomodate the giant dog. 

The best of friends

Alan has always been passionate about the breed, having owned three before adoptiong Louis six years ago. 

The gentle-natured St Bernard had been found abandoned in Liverpool, but he took to his new life immediately. "As soon as I get his harness out, he yanks, which he doesn't normally, but he gets quite excited because he knows he's going in the sidecar"  Alan explained. 

Local celebrities

"People smile as soon as they see us" Alan told the BBC. "We've had people overtake us, and then stop to take our picture" . 

By law, motorists in the UK must have properly restrained their pet in any vehicle, to prevent distractions or accidents. Alan is currently working on a "doggy caravan" for Louis, which will have a special area just for him. 

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