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Freestyle BMX demonstrations and a visit from Canberra-born Olympian Caroline Buchanan were only part of the fun for Macgregor Primary school, one of the growing number of ACT schools taking part in Ride or Walk to School programs. A funding commitment of close to $600,000 over the next three years from ACT Health will see close to half the primary schools across the territory take part in Ride or Walk to School programs run by the Physical Activity Foundation. Champion BMX rider and Physical Activity Foundation activator Caroline Buchanan said young students were thrilled to be presented with 15 new bicycles as part of the program. “The kids are just loving it. They are so excited,” she said. “Riding a bike gives you so much freedom and that is one thing these kids are really going to feel. Maybe it will open doors to becoming Olympians in the future as well, but it's the freedom and the healthy lifestyle that's most important.” Macgregor Primary school is one of 20 primary schools that have incorporated Ride or Walk to School programs over the past two years. However, with new funding from ACT Health 30 more primary schools can take part. The programs provide equipment, road safety and bike maintenance training for students, and encourage active travel to and from school. “We know that overweight children tend to be overweight adults, so if we can change children's attitudes to exercise and eating that is where we are going to have the best results,” ACT Government acting chief health officer Dr Moira McKinnon said. Macgregor Primary School PE teacher and program co-ordinator Glen Ridley said his students' jaws were on the floor when 15 new bicycles were presented to the school as part of the program. The program had given young students and their families the confidence and the capacity to incorporate physical activity into their school life, he said. “Canberra just lends itself to bike riding. We have an awesome site here, bike paths all out the back, so kids are able to get to school without even crossing a road, many of them.” Mr Ridley said overcoming parents' concerns for safety and convenience had been made possible through a scheme called 'Part way is okay'. “We have drop off points where parents can drop off their kids and walk or ride the rest of the way into school with adult supervision,” he said. Physical Activity Foundation CEO Lucille Bailie said concerns about the rise in obese and overweight people were taken seriously, but the success of the Ride or Walk to School programs had been hinged on making physical activity fun and easy for children and their parents. March 19 will mark National Ride or Walk to School Day.

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