Cyclists are aiming to prove that pedal power is the fastest way to travel, by racing a car and bus along two of the busiest commuter routes into Oxford.

The congested A40 will be the main route in the Commuter Challenge, as cyclists and two cars set off from Witney to Oxford at 7.45am.

Mark McArthur-Christie, who cycles daily to work in West End, Witney, from his Bampton home, said: "Everybody has done the mixed mode transport race.

"You get a bike, a car and a bus and cycle, drive and ride across town to see which is fastest. The bike wins every time.

"But what about a longer distance, like 12 miles from Witney to Oxford?"

Mr McArthur-Christie will race a car from Witney's Market Square, along the A40 eastbound to Carfax, in the centre of Oxford, via Wolvercote Roundabout, Woodstock Road and St Giles.

Fellow cyclist Ed Lehmann will also ride along the A40, diverting at Eynsham to get to Carfax via Swinford Toll Bridge, the B4044 through Farmoor and the Botley Road.

He will be up against a car and a Stagecoach double-decker bus travelling the 100 route, one of the company's busiest and most frequent services.

Two more cyclists, Simon Pratt and Simon Banks, will also set off at 7.45am, taking the scenic route from Witney, through Stanton Harcourt, Eaton and Cumnor, along Cumnor Hill and on to the Botley Road, also ending at Carfax.

They will take a special ferry crossing across the River Thames, set up by The Ferryman Inn at Bablockhythe and hope to highlight the route and the need for a proper crossing over the river.