SOME people might answer “Nothing at all, there is no way I am going to cycle in Oxford!”

For others it might be that there is something holding them back. Cyclox campaigns for better cycling infrastructure, but it is long term work. In the meantime, to encourage more people to take to two wheels, we aim to accentuate the positive and champion the best aspects of cycling in Oxford (the second city in the UK for cycling).

Thus minded we came up with an initiative designed to build a positive narrative around cycling in Oxford. We aim to celebrate the City, the sense of freedom that a bicycle can give you, happiness, wellbeing, fitness, speed, economy, proximity to where you want to go, and just the sheer joy of cycling (as you avoid the potholes). In 2015 Oxfords Cycling Shorts was born. No, it’s not another brand of designer cycling gear, but a competition for budding film makers. Our first competition attracted 24 entries, which were submitted to expert judges (BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz, Olympic Gold medallist and British Cycling Policy Advisor Chris Boardman and cycling historian Carlton Reid). The winner received £500 and all 24 films from amateurs, semi-professionals, students and school groups, were celebrated in a film night at Keble College. Watch them here: https://goo.gl/CkPLhm

If you missed out don’t worry, because Oxford Cycling Shorts is back. Our 2017 version has more categories with more prizes and a shorter length of 3 minutes.

The four categories, each with at least £100 prize money, (and judging criteria) are:

1. Oxford the hero: The film that features the heritage of Oxford and best makes me feel like seeing Oxford by bicycle.

2. Cycling to school / work: The film that best encourages young people to feel like cycling to school or celebrates cycling to school; (or in the same way, to work).

3 Starting to cycle (or cycle again) in Oxford: The film that best would encourage someone to start cycling or cycle again in or around Oxford.

4. Overall –the film that most makes people (the judges) feel like getting on a bike and cycling. (Does not have to be one of the previous three categories).

With about seven million visitors to Oxford a year – how many of those who cycle get beyond the city centre? Perhaps more of those could take advantage of Oxford’s cycle hire options such as Bainton Bikes, Summertown Cycles, OxonBike and Cycle.Land

Got some ideas? Enter yourself! Encourage your school. Even just using a mobile phone is fine. The rules can be found here: http://www.cyclox.org/5-image-of-cycling/film/

Thank you to our sponsors, which include: Oxford University Estates Dept., Freeths, Warlands Cycles, Bainton Bikes, Walton Street Cycles and to Keble College.

p For more information about the event, entering and sponsorship please contact Cyclox on film@cyclox.org