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Blessing of the Bikes

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The Blessing of the Bikes, also The Blessing of the Bicycles, is an annual tradition in which riders of motorcycles or bicycles are blessed by a priest in the hope that it will bring safety for the coming season. Many towns hold annual ceremonies to bless motorcycles at the start of the summer.[1][2][3]

The first mass blessing of bicycles was held in 1999 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. Since its beginning the ceremony has been ostensibly non-denominational, focusing more on rider safety than religion. However, the service does include prayers and reading of biblical passages, and bicycles are sprinkled with holy water.[4] A brief memorial service is held to acknowledge riders who have died in the previous year.[5][6]

The Blessing of the Bikes at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York, NY. This photo probably taken in 2003.

The popularity of the service has encouraged other localities to follow suit. Annual blessings are held from Burlington, Massachusetts[7] to Los Angeles[8] to Melbourne[9] and incorporate varying degrees of emphasis on religion, environmentalism, fitness, cyclists' rights, and safety.

In 2013, Good Samaritan Hospital celebrated their 10th Annual Blessing of the Bikes in Los Angeles[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ Maynard, Shannon (8 May 2010). "Motorcycle riders take part in 10th annual 'Blessing of the Bikes'". Michigan Live.
  2. ^ "Lakeshore Blessing of the Bikes".
  3. ^ "Southern Maryland Blessing of the Bikes". Archived from the original on 24 July 2011.
  4. ^ Zielbauer, Paul (16 May 1999). "Blessing Wheels and the Spirit for Perilous Travels". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
  5. ^ "Dozens Pedal to Blessing of the Bicycles". CBS News. 18 April 2009. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011.
  6. ^ "Holy Rollers". Time Out New York. 23 April 2008.
  7. ^ "Religion Notes". Burlington Union. 1 May 2009. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012.
  8. ^ "Blessing of the Bicycles". Good Samaritan Hospital. 2013.
  9. ^ "Blessing of the Bicycles" (PDF). City of Yarra. 2008.[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ "Blessing of the Bicycles". Good Samaritan Hospital. 2013.
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