Cyclists are being asked to suggest where bike racks are needed in Oxford city centre.

Cyclox, the city group campaigning for safer cycling conditions, hope that better facilities will encourage more people to cycle.

Founder James Styring said: "We want to make it easier and safer to cycle into Oxford but the difficulty is money and space.

"This campaign is just the tip of the iceberg. We also want to get vehicle speeds down and make the design of roads safer for cyclists."

There are about 1,800 cycle rack spaces in Oxford, most in the city centre.

But city centre manager Bill McCardle said cyclists often chained their bikes to lamp posts, railings and benches, obstructing paths and caused problems for the disabled, the blind, people with pushchairs and older people.

Mr McCardle added: "The trouble is, people want to park their bikes as close to where they are going. We want to encourage people to use their bikes but if there are not enough spaces to park them then we have major problems."

In February the county council replaced 180 wheel-clamp racks with metal 'Sheffield' hoops, which are more secure.

County council transport planner James Gagg said: "We are working together to identify potential new sites for cycle racks, not only in the city centre but also in Cowley Road, Banbury Road and Woodstock Road."

Cyclox will be discussing potential sites at a public meeting on January 7, in East Oxford Community Centre, Cowley Road, at 7pm.

Tell us what you think.