FOR the past 10 years students at Eaglehawk North Primary School have raced through their bike track.
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The track is hugely popular among the students.
More than 20 eager riders are ready to wind their way through the rough terrain on any given day.
Set behind the school, the track is surrounded by trees, rocks and small mounts.
Assistant principal John Morton believes the track could be a first for the region and Australia.
Mr Morton said the bike track program was his favourite in his 35 years of teaching.
“It attracts a lot of kids who need to be very active,” he said.
“For some of them, it is one of the main reasons they come to school.”
Mr Morton said the bike track had become a strong part of the schools culture.
“We are unique in having the space for this facility,” he said.
“Our school is in a beautiful bush setting on the edge of the Whipstick.
“We are respectful of the fauna and flora.
“We stick to our paths.”
Mr Morton said the idea for the bike track came from a group of keen students who wanted to do something different.
“I organised a few skateboarding and BMX clinics,” he said.
“The kids love using the bike track.
“They would be down there every day if they could.”
Students between Prep to Year 6 can access the track.
Mr Morton said parents were also excited and positive about the track and how it had become a regular part of the school.
“Parents love this program as it is very engaging and very motivating for some kids who may be otherwise indifferent about school,” he said.
Mr Morton said parents had also helped contribute to some of the construction of the track.
Kids love using the bike track. They would be down there every day if they could.
- John Morton
He said parents worked to build a bridge over a nearby creek so students could easily cycle across.
“Kids love building little jumps and other challenging features,” Mr Morton said.
The bike track runs each Tuesday and Friday's at lunchtime.
As part of the track's 10th anniversary the school had bumper stickers made.
To see more photos of the track visit www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au