WORKERS in Oxfordshire are being encouraged to join national Cycle to Work Day.

The annual event will take place on Wednesday and employees are being asked to leave their cars at home for the day and bike to work instead.

Last year’s event saw 45,000 cyclists pledging to pedal over half a million miles.

Event spokeswoman Eleanor Rosenbach said: “This year it’s the fifth anniversary of the annual event, and the celebration of cycling is expected to be bigger and better than ever before.

“Employers of all shapes and sizes will be encouraging their workforce to get in the saddle and experience the benefits of cycling to and from work.

“Cycling to work is the simple way to be healthier, happier and wealthier – try it for yourself and reap the benefits.”

She added that employees could join a cycle to work scheme like Cyclescheme where employees can get bikes and accessories at discounted prices.

More than six companies have approached Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council to set up bike hire schemes and a code of conduct has been drawn up for the companies by the councils.

Chinese dockless bike company Ofo is one of the firms and is hiring out its yellow bikes along Oxford’s streets after setting up in Cambridge.

Council leaders hope the code of conduct will ensure bikes are well maintained, safe and that employees of each company are paid at least the Oxford Living Wage of £8.93 an hour.

Visit cycletoworkday.org