It only takes PE teacher Andrew Cook three minutes longer to cycle rather than drive to work.

The 27-year-old is one of four people who have swapped their cars or public transport for two wheels to mark Bike2Work Week.

Organised by Croydon Cycle Campaign the event aims to promote the health and environmental benefits of cycling to work rather than jumping in the car.

The four volunteers have been given coaching and, where necessary, lent bikes by Cycle King in South Croydon.

Mr Cook, who is travelling from Kenley to Archbishop Tenison's School in Selbourne Road, Croydon, said he doesn't think he has an unfair advantage as a PE teacher as cycling isn't his forte.

He said: "I normally take the car to work but it only takes about three minutes longer on the bike because I'm not stuck in traffic.

"I'm going to try and stick to the bike where I can, although I might have to use the car for away matches and stuff. A few of the pupils have seen me on the bike while they're on the bus. They mostly comments on my slow cycling."

The four bike to work volunteers include Haydn Dey, who is tackling a two-mile journey from South Croydon to Cherry Orchard Road on a bike given to her as a birthday present, and Elizabeth Collins who riding between her home in Purley and Croydon Council's offices at Taberner House.

The longest journey undertaken this week is by Guardian editor Alison Hepworth, between West Norwood and the office in Pegasus Road, near Airport House on the Purley Way more than six miles one way with Beulah Hill to climb and descent.

As the Guardian went to press, the 30-year-old had done three of the 10 planned journeys.

She said: "It's going well so far. I get up when I would normally, if I were catching the train and I arrive at work, shower and I'm at my desk only 10 minutes later than normal.

"I'm hoping to be a lot fitter and a shadow of my former self by the end of the week. If it goes well, I'll continue cycling to work. Bike2-Work Week is a good incentive to get started."

Liz Mincer, of Croydon Cycle Campaign, said the event was the first time the group had got people to commit to a week where they cycle to work.

"We wanted a mix of people and we have a man and three women who all have different attitudes," she said.

All four volunteers were given lessons on how to best cycle on the road by a trainer from Cycle Training UK ready for this week. Cycle Training is a London-based organisation which encourages and helps people to ride bikes.

Visit www.croydon-lcc.org.uk or www.cycletraining.co.uk to find out more.