Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
BTWD

Good Samaritan Hosts 16th Annual Blessing of the Bicycles

LongBeachize_Ad_Concepts
This article supported by Los Angeles Bicycle Attorney as part of a general sponsorship package. All opinions in the article are that of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of LABA. Click on the ad for more information.
false

This morning, Good Samaritan Hospital hosted its 16th annual Blessing of the Bicycles. The event takes place each year during Bike Week, and each year it manages to get me teary-eyed. As a bicyclist, I move through streets where I am at best an afterthought. It is a treat, for at least one day each year, to be in a setting where my bicycling is affirmed and upheld.

My favorite part of the event is when assembled clerics deliver various blessings and prayers - from many religious traditions, in many languages - all affirming those of us who bike.

Reverend Bell splashes holy water to bless cyclists
Reverend Bell splashes holy water to bless cyclists
false

Good Samaritan's Episcopal chaplain Reverend Michael S. Bell, who splashes holy water on cyclists at the conclusion of the blessing, emphasized that all of us out there on the road "celebrate more in common" than our differences. His prayer included listing ways that bicyclists are embodying higher Godly values, including: respect for creation, vulnerability, humility, strength, and recognition of others around us.

Good Samaritan's cycling CEO Andy Leeka and the LAFD mobile medic unit
Good Samaritan's cycling CEO Andy Leeka (left) and the LAFD mobile medic unit
false

This year Good Samaritan gave its Golden Spoke award to the L.A. City Fire Department's mobile medics unit, who patrol via bicycle. The unit serves as a first responder at various events - from CicLAvia to the L.A. Marathon to concerts - as well as daily patrolling LAX and Venice Beach. LAFD's bicycling medics are able to quickly get through crowds to respond to incidents, where they can administer initial care and determine the need for an ambulance. The mobile medics' work means fewer tied-up ambulances (often caught in congested car traffic) so that emergency response resources can be focused where they are most needed.

To close with, here is a portion of The Book of Common Prayer's prayer for travelers, which Reverend Yein Esther Kim delivered this morning in Korean and English:

...preserve those who travel - in particular by bicycle - surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The event concluded with a lap around Good Samaritan Hospital
The event concluded with a lap around Good Samaritan Hospital
false

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Friday’s Headlines

New, wider sidewalks in SF's Tenderloin; Environmental groups sue CARB over biofuels; Biden sets national climate goals; More

December 20, 2024

E-bike Incentive Launch a “Mess”?

CARB said there were something like 100,000 people trying to grab 1,500 vouchers. No wonder people are frustrated. Does that mean the launch was bungled? Also, did you successfully apply for a voucher? If so, we'd love to hear from you

December 20, 2024

Friday Video: Traveling Without the Car

City Nerd focuses on the cities where it's easiest to get into town without a car.

December 20, 2024

Cemeteries Push to Bury Forest Lawn Drive Safety Improvements

Forest Lawn and Mount Sinai reps call scaled-back city street improvements a "bad plan" and "permanent traffic disaster"

December 20, 2024
See all posts