Commuting into Oxford by car takes six times longer than by bicycle and twice the time taken by the bus, according to a survey held today.

Environmentalists staged a commuter challenge in the morning rush-hour to find out which form of transport best suits city commuters' needs.

Various modes of transport were timed between Botley and Carfax Tower.

A cyclist was first to arrive, in five minutes, followed by a cyclist with a child passenger, in seven minutes, and a unicyclist, in 11 minutes.

A bus covered the distance in 15 minutes, a car in 33 minutes and a pedestrian in 35 minutes.

Oxford Friends of the Earth spokesman James Styring said the car was caught in traffic jams all along Botley Road while the cyclists and the bus had a free run thanks to bus and cycle lanes.

He added: "It shows quite clearly that driving is one of the slowest ways into the city. Cycling or getting the bus are more than twice as fast, and they're also cheaper and better for the environment."