The scheme is part of National Bike Week

People who rely on their cars to get work are being offered the chance to cycle to and from work with an experienced cyclist for one week.

Birmingham Friends of the Earth, the scheme's organisers, are targeting people whose bikes are gathering dust in the shed because they are put off by busy roads.

Bike buddies is part of National Bike Week which runs until 20 June.

What people don't realise is that every new cyclist is one less car - so the more people there are cycling on the roads then the safer the roads become Cyclist Nick Tulley

Jenny Thatcher, the scheme's organiser, said: "It is hoped that after a week workers will realise how convenient, cheap and healthy it is to bike to work every day.

"Hopefully our volunteers can show them the ropes, and once people try it they will be keen to continue - mainly because cycling is great fun"

Nick Tulley, a member of Birmingham-based cycle campaign group Pushbikes and a volunteer bike buddy, cycles every day from Selly Oak to his job as computer manager in Winson Green.

"What people don't realise is that every new cyclist is one less car - so the more people there are cycling on the roads then the safer the roads become," he said.

Birmingham Friends of the Earth are encouraging those taking part in the scheme to give to charity any money they save on transport during the week