In an act of solidarity, people from some 40 religious communities across Australia, including Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and Sikh groups, will leave their cars at home and cycle to their religious activities during Ride to Worship Week, from 7-13 October 2011.

Ride to Worship Week, now in its second year, is one of ARRCC's initiative which aim to provide opportunities for religious groups to take positive action against climate change. ARRCC President Thea Ormerod said:

"Last year we trialled the event in 10 religious communities in Sydney and Melbourne and the experience was so positive that many more groups have jumped on board this year. Australia's religions agree that caring for the earth is important, and we have places of worship, faith communities and spiritual centres involved. Cycling reduces petrol use and protects the environment. It helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, other air pollutants and noise. It also improves our physical and mental health and reduces the risk of life threatening illnesses including heart disease, obesity and diabetes."

Champion cyclist and riding trainer Tanya Bosch is the official Ambassador for 2011 Ride to Worship Week. The World Championship winner and World Masters Games medallist, who commutes to her Bible college classes by bike, said/;

"As the official Ambassador for Ride to Worship Week I am very pleased to have the opportunity to highlight the wonderful environmental and health benefits of cycling. Cycling – especially commuting – gets you to do your exercise for the day without even knowing it! "My hope is that cycling to worship for just one week will encourage people to ride all through the year. It's such a simple and practical way to contribute to positive climate action."

ARRCC is a multi-faith organisation committed to taking action on climate change, sharing a common concern for our world, and standing together to work for an ecologically and socially sustainable future. To find out more, visit our Ride to Worship section.

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