CYCLOX, the Oxford cycling pressure group, has organised a series of events for National Bike Week, which is under way.

The group has released details of a week-long diary featuring rides for all ages and abilities in and around the city.

And to prove it is not all hard graft, Cyclox has tailor made eight rides - some of which have pub stops - and even a strawberries and ice cream stall.

The eight-day programme of events was due to begin today with two rides - a 2.5-mile wildlife family ride, which was due to start at 10am at the University Museum of Natural History, in Parks Road, and a four-mile scenic tour of the back streets of North Oxford, starting at the Esporta fitness club, off Woodstock Road, at 2pm.

Other events include a 20-mile ride around villages inside the Oxford ring road - with pub stops - and a four-mile ride between Jericho and West Oxford, finishing at Medley Manor Farm.

All rides are free and fully guided, and the idea is to prove to doubters that Oxford is a safe and scenic city in which to cycle.

Cherwell School pupil and Cyclox events manager Henry Strivens, 17, said: "Part of it is to show how much fun it is to get on a bike and go for a ride.

"A couple of the rides have specific purposes to them.

"For example, the Esporta ride aims to show how safe and quiet the back streets in North Oxford are.

"It's all about getting people out and about on their bikes. Oxford has nice routes and cycling is a great way to get around.

"It is a safe place to cycle and one of the most picturesque in the country - it's just a shame we haven't got the same set-up as Cambridge, where there is a restriction on traffic in the city centre."