Blessing of the Bikes

The Rev. Jack Traugott, pastor at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Greenwood Lake, blesses a group of motorcycle riders and their machines last Sunday, June 10. The first mass blessing of bicycles was held in 1999 at the Cathedral of Saint 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 may be sprinkled with holy water.

Ed Bailey Photo