A CHALLENGE to find the fastest way to get into Oxford in the morning has shown two wheels are better than four, with cyclists beating drivers and buses.

Cycling champions Cyclox organised a seven-mile commute from Eynsham to Radcliffe Square yesterday morning, starting at 7.45am.

And, out of the 17 participants, using everything from buses and cars, to their own feet, as well as a variety of bicycles, all 10 of the cyclists beat every other mode of transport.

The fastest cyclist arrived after just 21 minutes and 21 seconds, less than half the speed of the first car back at 44 minutes and 40 seconds.

Cyclox chairman and Oxford Mail columnist James Styring said: “It is much quicker getting past the lines of traffic on a bike.

“One chap arrived in a suit and because he was on an electric bike, he is not even sweating. And while the fastest times came from keen cyclists, Lord Mayor Elise Benjamin was going at a normal commuter pace and it still only took her 34 minutes.”

He had suspected the motorcyclist might come in first, but as the rider stuck to the Highway Code and avoided dangerous manoeuvres, he was easily beaten by all the cyclists.

Mr Styring said: “We hope this shows that even distances that seem uncyclable are eminently achievable.”

Paul Warren, 32, from Freeland, was the first to arrive.

He said: “The cars overtook me on the Farmoor Road, but I got past them on Botley Road.

“It is quite an intimidating road, but the vast majority of motorists are considerate to cyclists.”

He said the provision of showers and cycle parking by his employers in Osney Mead helped encourage people to cycle in.

Steve Unwin, 53, arrived on an electric bicycle in his suit, ready for work.

He said: “Electric bikes are great for people who don’t like headwinds or hills, or don’t want to dress up in lycra and get sweaty every morning.”

Ms Benjamin, 45, said: “I am quite a slow cyclist, but still I made a good time compared with the cars.

“Having seen the queues and queues of traffic, I believe there isn’t room for any more cars.

“Just small improvements to cycle lanes could make it much more attractive to people to ride to work.”

The drivers’ journeys included time taken to park and walk to Radcliffe Square.

Graham Smith, 65, from South Oxford, took the bus, arriving in 47 minutes and 40 seconds. He said: “It is a bit slow but you can meet people, talk to them, or read the paper. It is quite pleasant.”

In 2006, Cyclox organised a commuter challenge from Water Eaton Park & Ride, north of Oxford, which was won by cyclists. In 2005 a similar challenge from Witney saw bicycles come racing in again in pole position.