Hot new wheels were the talk of the playground as Aranda Primary School received 14 new bicycles ahead of National Ride2School Day on March 13.
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The bikes weren't in their boxes for long as year 5 and 6 students got rolling.
Year 5 and 6 teacher James Harrison said the new mountain and BMX bikes enabled the school to think laterally about involving active activities into everyday school life.
"They will be used for sport, but we hope to take the kids to Lake Ginninderra on excursions," he said.
"It's great for this age group leading into high school to give them some independence and awareness of road safety as well as encouraging them to have a healthy lifestyle."
Ben Claridge, 11, is one of several year 6 students who regularly ride to and from school.
"I like it because I can go at my own pace, cruise along and chill out before school," he said. "It's about a five-minute journey if I ride fast, but in the afternoon I often ride home with friends."
Aranda students can also hone their skills ahead of Ride2School Day.
Principal Phil Gray said not all primary school students knew how to ride a bike and he was pleased to be able to offer this skill.
Lifestyle changes meant most parents dropped their children to school by car, but bike riding was a great alternative that reduced traffic around the school and engaged students in learning and exercise.
"Only a small handful of children own their own bikes," Mr Gray said.
"I think having access to bicycles in the playground will spark interest from the children. If they can convince their parents it is fun and safe and, of course, the school will support the safety aspect, then hopefully we will see a lot more riders."
