CYCLING enthusiasts have been in touch in their droves this week, hoping to take over our weekly platform for petrolheads.

So we're signing over Me and My Motor to the bike lobby for today, learning about their take on their beloved bikes and their environmental benefits.

Southampton city councillor John Savage owns a Trek 75 Multitrack hybrid, which he originally bought for his commute. He said: "I needed to get 22 miles a day, back and forth across London (Hackney to Fulham) and it was the best and fastest way to do the journey."

Cllr Savage has cycled 320 miles through the Sierra Nevada mountain range and over 500 miles from Poole to San Sebastian in Spain.

His family worry about his safety on the road. Cllr Savage added: "I know a couple of cyclists who have died through collisions and I know a handful of people who have had life changing injuries. We need to make it much safer. I've been cycling for years so I feel I've got good awareness of other vehicles on the road but there's always a danger. At 62 years old, I don't bounce very well." But he will continue to ride the great routes locally, including Southampton to Eling, through the New Forest, across the Common and on the new Hill Lane cycle lane.

Rachel Moody, who owns a Cube e-bike, said: "For local journeys, cycling is so much better. Having an e-bike with a motor means I can go further. The new bike lanes mean I can get to the Common from Ocean Village in 10 minutes.

"I used to commute from Winchester to Southampton, which was hilly and 12 miles, but having the e-bike made it actually quicker than sitting in a car in traffic jams. I didn't contribute to air pollution, and got some good daily exercise."

Lyn Brayshaw has a selection of bikes instead of a car because of Southampton's 'terrible pollution' and the planet's 'climate emergency'.

Alistair Chaplin's cargo bike carries his young passengers and his locally built Beamz bike is a great commuter bike.

Meredydd Smart volunteers at Freemantle Repair Cafe after inheriting the 'tinkering' gene from his mechanic grandfather. He adores his Ambrosio Solaro.

To take part in Me and My Motor, visit dailyecho.co.uk/meandmymotor