St Catherine's Primary School pupils Zoe and Dylan try out their new wheels after getting free bikes from the state government. They are among grade6 pupils from several schools who received some

of the 1000 bikes given

away as part of the Ride2School program.

The pupils were nominated by their schools for their leadership qualities and for taking part in bike education programs or clubs.

Melton MP Don Nardella said the Ride2School program, run in partnership with Bicycle Victoria, is aimed at getting kids active to prevent obesity and diabetes.

The number of children getting to school by foot or pedal power has dropped from 80per cent in the 1970s to only 20per cent.

Picture: Marco De Luca