Four journalists from a regional daily were pitted against each other with a challenge to see which form of transport was quickest for tackling some major roadworks.

The journalists from Plymouth’s The Herald decided to find out the best way of beating 11-week roadworks at Laira Bridge, which have caused gridlock for commuters.

The rush hour challenge saw chief sports writer Bill Richards drive the route from the city centre to Pomphlett roundabout, reporter Sophie Taylor take the bus, Herald deputy editor Clare Jardine run and defence reporter Rebecca Ricks cycle the route.

Setting off at 5.20pm, the team aimed to discover how bad the problem was and set up a live blog about the task – with the results showing the bike arriving first, followed by the runner, the bus and lastly the car.

Each of the team has also written a piece about their experiences of tackling the roadworks.

Cyclist Rebecca wrote: “Hands down two wheels are better than four. Not only is it good for the heart and better for the purse it is clearly a much quicker mode of transport for rush hour chaos.

“Needless to say before we had even started I was quietly very confident I would be first to arrive in Plymstock.

“Armed with some already aching legs after a morning work out, my bike AKA my new best friend and some less-than fetching Lycra I was off.”

Despite a “close call” with a cement mixer, she was first to arrive, completing the route in 10 minutes 14 seconds.

This was followed by the runner in 20 minutes 26 seconds, the bus in 22 minutes and the car bringing up the rear in just short of 30 minutes.

The roadworks aim to make changes to improve traffic flow over Laira Bridge and provide better crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.