BLESSING OF BICYCLES AND CYCLISTS ON MAY 18

All Souls Episcopal Parish at 2220 Cedar St.  (corner of Cedar and Spruce Streets) in Berkeley is holding a special “Blessing of Bicycles and Cyclists” service on May 18. Cyclists and cyclist supporters of all ages are invited to attend the 11:15 AM service, which will conclude with the Blessing of Bicycles and Cyclists at approximately 12:00 PM, when the parish rector, the Rev. Phillip Brochard, will bless the bikes and offer a prayer for safety for the cyclists.

Everyone from the East Bay Community is invited—no prior church experience is necessary to attend! You are encouraged to wear your cycling attire to church and to bring your bicycle.  Should you choose, you can come after the service and attend just the blessing that will take place in the courtyard.  Secure bike parking will be provided.

Thousands of adults and children take to the streets and roads in the East Bay every day.  Cycling is great for health and for the environment, but cycling accidents are a daily occurrence. Riders and bicycles will be blessed with a sprinkling of holy water, and, as a part of the ceremony, a rider-less bicycle will be brought forward during a moment of silence in remembrance of those who have died in cycling accidents in the past year. This service is offered as a means for cyclists to pray for their own safety as well as safe peddling for all in the community.

Lunch will be served following the celebration.