CYCLISTS are set to take over Oxford with a packed programme of events to mark bike week.

Starting tomorrow, the national event will be celebrated locally with city tours and longer rides into the Oxfordshire countryside.

People who haven’t cycled for years are being encouraged to get back on their bikes with free slow and medium paced themed rides led by volunteers.

Meanwhile regular cyclists will be put through their paces with a night ride to Dorset tomorrow night.

The organisers aim to promote everyday cycling and want to get more people cycling, more often.

Volunteer Philippa Major said: “One of the really important things is to be able to let people see how many active riding groups there are in Oxford – whether you are a fast Saturday morning rider or a slow Sunday morning bike rider.

“It’s about cycling for everybody and different types of groups.

“I think the highlights are going to be the ride to the bird reserve on Monday and the rides around the architecture sites.”

Other cycle route themes include a foraging and nature ride on Tuesday and a Summer Solstice morning ride on Thursday setting off at 6am to take in Port Meadow and Boars Hill before returning to Oxford by 8am for breakfast at the Turl Street Kitchen.

Dr Tristram Wyatt, of cycling campaign group Cyclox, said: “We are going to be providing a number of rides including on the launch day on Saturday.

“It’s a week of celebration between lots of different cycling organisations to bring other riders together.

“We hope that people will enjoy the event and come back for the rest of the year having enjoyed taking part in the rides.”

Kevin Moreland, of Bainton Bikes in North Oxford, will also be pedalling alongside other cycling enthusiasts.

He said: “It’s a great thing for everyone to get out on their bike and enjoy themselves.

“It’s great for people who are new to Oxford to get out and explore new parts and for people who know the city it’s a good way to meet like-minded people.

“I’m absolutely looking forward to it – every year it gets better and better as people become more aware of it. A lot of people come back every year.”

Tomorrow

  • 9am-4pm: Launch event with free security bike tagging – Broad St, Oxford.
  • 9.45am: Women-only ride to Worton Organic Garden – Tourist Information Centre (TIC), Broad St.
  • 10.30am: Explore South West Oxford – TIC, Broad St.
  • 8.30pm: Overnight Dorset Dash – Broad St.

Sunday June 17

  • 9am: CTC ride to Lechlade via Aston Pottery – Broad St, opposite Oxford Buttery.

Monday June 18

  • 6pm: Evening ride and guided walk, Otmoor RSPB Reserve – from Radcliffe Square, Oxford.

Tuesday June 19

  • 6pm: Foraging Bike Ride – TIC, Broad St.
  • 6pm: Architecture ride – TIC, Broad St.

Wednesday June 20

  • 6pm: Ride to Shabbington – Broad St.
  • 6.15pm: Open Doors Beryl’s Night – South Oxford Community Centre, Lake St.

Thursday June 21

  • 6am: Solstice morning ride – TIC, Broad St.

Friday June 22

  • 6pm: Slow and friendly city ride – TIC, Broad St.

Saturday June 23

  • 9am: Women-only ride exploring countryside and villages south-east of Oxford – Cafe Noir, Osler Rd/London Rd corner, Headington.
  • 10am: Off-road MTB ride – from Walton Street Cycles, Oxford.
  • 11am-4pm: Westmill Wind and Solar Farm Open Day – Watchfield, near Faringdon.

Sunday June 24

  • 9.30am: Ride to Millets Farm, Frilford – Broad St, opposite Oxford Buttery.
  • For full details of Bike Week events, click on the link.