THE Guardian’s Pedal Power campaign is already starting to strike a chord with Northwich residents.

Our aim is to encourage more people into the saddle, whether for the first time ever or the first time in ages, by offering articles and tips about the variety of cycling available.

We are also enlisting the help of Pedal Power Ambassadors, those enthusiastic cyclists whose stories we can share to inspire Northwich.

This week we would like to introduce our second campaign ambassador, Mike Hornby, who, together with his wife Sue, is an advocate of everyday cycling.

RIDING a bike is just part of day-to-day life for Weaverham couple Mike and Sue Hornby.

Any time the pair want to pop to the village shops or nip into Northwich they turn away from the car and embrace their bicycles as the best possible form of transport.

”It’s so easy and it’s free and we are saving the planet and it’s exercise in your daily living,” Mike said.

“If you cycle in your everyday life when you feel like going out on a bike ride it’s not a struggle because it’s something you do anyway.”

The couple, who live in West Road, say the key to everyday cycling lies in purchasing the right kind of bicycle.

Mike said: “I’ve got a utility bike, which means I can go out and get on it without thinking about it because it’s got mud guards and a chain guard so I can wear normal clothes.

“It’s so easy.

“My tips would be to go to one of the mainstream bike dealers and buy a bike for a couple of hundred pounds and it will last you a lifetime.

“Not a cheap mountain bike because they’re hard work, but a bike with chain and mud guards and a basket or a carrier.

“Get someone to fit your saddle height for you and keep your tyres pumped up, that’s it really.”

Mike, who has retired now but used to work for the Inland Revenue, has always tried to cycle whenever he can.

“I’ve cycled since we were kids and rode our bikes around Weaverham because that was what we did,” he said.

“In my working and grown up life whenever I’ve been able to commute without driving I’ve cycled.

“We want more people to have bikes they can use every day.

“We talk to folk about it all of the time and do try to encourage them.

“There are so many people that go out of the front door and immediately go in car but if you had a bike that was easy to use just think of all those benefits.

“And cars are better not used for tiny journeys, it’s not good for them.”

Mike also had some advice for people who may be worried about riding a bike on modern roads.

“I think people worry too much about cycling on our roads,” he said.

“If you claim your space on the road and are assertive – I’m not talking about making life difficult for drivers but it’s about claiming your space, signalling and making eye contact with drivers – it’s fine.”

• Have you got a cycling story you can share to encourage our readers? We’re always on the lookout for Pedal Power Ambassadors. Just email Gina Bebbington on gbebbington@guardiangrp.co.uk or ring 01606 813624.