On Friday 19 February the Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key opened on the St Mary's School Bike Track - imagined and realised by health hero Paul McArdle of Bike On NZ.

A winding limestone track around the perimeter of the school gives the year 1 - 3 pupils a safe way to learn the skills of riding - and staying on - a bicycle. Bike On has supplied 60 bikes of three sizes for children aged 5 - 8 years, as well as three bikes for teachers, and helmets for everyone.

A skills course designed and build by New Zealand cycling legend Jonathan Kennett offers the children a bit more challenge, with berms, bridges, see-saws, and posts to weave in and out of.  And a pump track brings added fitness options for the children (see video clip below).

Cycling offers children a wide range of balance and co-ordination skills, and being active in childhood has proven health benefits for later in life.

See the Bike On Blog for more information and video clips.