Photo by evegophotos

One downtown church is putting a blessing on bicycles next month. The Church of the Ascension and St. Agnes (12th Street and Massachusetts Avenue NW) is hosting what it says may be the first “Blessing of Bicycles” event in the District. The event, slated for May 7 at 11 a.m., will “celebrate the growing bicycling community in Washington, D.C.,” and all are welcome “regardless of religious (or any) affiliation, fat or thin tires, and brand of bike,” according an event page.

The church’s parish priest, Father Dominique Peridans, will say a prayer of protection over all bikes and bike owners who come out. Afterward, attendees will hear words from representatives of the District Department of Transportation, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, as well as Mariann Budde who’s the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and an avid cyclist.

“I know that there’s been some awkwardness between the cycling community and a few churches in the city, and I’m hoping this will heal that a little bit,” Peridans told Borderstan, which first reported the event.

The grand finale will include “blessing stations” for people who want an individual benediction.

And before heading off on two bike rides, guests will mingle and be able to purchase snacks, drinks, and T-shirts with an image of Madonna de Ghisallo who’s been dubbed “patron saint of cyclists,” designed by Cycology Gear. They will also have the chance to win bike stuff like lights and bells that are being donated by DDOT.

Similar events have taken place in New York where clergy have wished riders a safe biking season, and more.