Cyclists who work at Oxford's two biggest hospitals have organised bike rides to mark National Bike Week.

And the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals Bicycle User Group (BUG) is inviting everyone to take part.

On Tuesday at 5.15pm, the group has scheduled a five-mile ride around Headington and Marston using cycle paths and side streets.

BUG convenor Philip Bonnier told the Oxford Mail last night it would be suitable for people who had not ridden a bike for years.

He added: "If they rediscover how easy it is to ride and how much fun, they might think about using a bike to commute across the city to work."

On Wednesday at 5.30pm, BUG has organised a 25-mile trip to Brill and back.

Mr Bonnier, an accountant at the JR, said: "This may appeal to people who ride regularly in Oxford, but maybe need a bit encouragement to try using their bike outside the city."

Both rides start from the Chinese Garden outside Level II main entrance of the John Radcliffe.

BUG works with the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust to promote cycling to work and acts as a consultation body and lobbying group for cyclists.

National Bike Week is the country's biggest annual promotion of cycling and all things bike-related.

To find out more, visit www.bikeweek.org.uk