Sacred Spokes: NYC’s Annual Bike Blessing at St John the Divine
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 9:00 am
1047 Amsterdam Ave, Manhattan
Cyclists, scooter riders, skaters, and movers of all self-propelled wheels are invited to gather at the iconic Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine on Saturday, May 3 at 9:00 a.m. for the 27th Annual Blessing of the Bicycles. Held inside the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, this cherished springtime event offers a unique moment of reflection, unity, and safety ahead of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. Open to people of all faiths (or none), the ceremony provides a blessing for a safe riding season, honors cyclists lost in the past year with a moment of silence, and invites participants to ring their bike bells in a shared spirit of hope and remembrance.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and the service, led by the Very Rev. Patrick Malloy, PhD, begins promptly at 9:00 a.m., wrapping by 9:30. A free helmet giveaway, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu and supported by the NYC Department of Transportation, will follow the ceremony from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. outside the Cathedral. Helmets will be provided while supplies last and fitted on-site; adults must sign a waiver, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged, and for those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available. Attendees and photographers are asked to respect the ceremonial aspects of this beloved tradition.
