Are you new to cycling, or is it a while since you've dusted off your bike? The answers to following commonly asked questions will help you get safely to your religious observances and enjoy yourself along the way!

Questions

1. Why should I ride?
2. When should I ride?
3. Will I feel good?
4. Will riding to worship take too long?
5. Do I need any special equipment or clothes?
6. How do I plan my trip?
7. What if I live a long way from my place of worship?
8. What does ARRCC hope to achieve with Ride to Worship Week?
9. What if my place of worship would like to participate in Ride to Worship Week but the date doesn't suit us?

Answers

1. Why should I ride?

• We are entrusted with the wellbeing of the planet. One way we can respond is to cycle - reducing petrol consumption, carbon emissions and air pollution
• You will be acting in solidarity with the poor. The poor of our world often have no car. They contribute least to climate change but suffer most from it. Cycling will reduce your contribution to climate change
• You can save money, and make a make a positive difference to your health and peace of mind. You will arrive at worship and return home energised
• You can live your religion more fully.

2. Will I feel good?

• Long-term health benefits of cycling include increased strength, improved muscle tone, decreased body fat and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers
• Cycling gets the endorphins flowing and reduces stress
• Remember, bike riding shouldn't feel more strenuous than walking unless you want it to. Don't push yourself too hard at first.

3. When should I ride?

• Cycling is an opportunity to make a positive difference. You might find it is a good time to reflect on your spiritual journey (as long as you can cycle safely!)
• Gathering with others for religious observances is an opportunity to live your beliefs. Be encouraged to ride or walk to your religious centre as often as you can
• ARRCC encourages people of all faiths to cycle to their religious centre during Ride to Worship Week (7-13 October in 2011)

4. Will riding to worship take too long?

• For city trips of less than 15 kilometres in peak hour, it's generally quicker to cycle than drive or use public transport
• You've also done your exercise for the day so you don't need to find extra time.

5. Do I need any special equipment or clothes?

• You need a bike, helmet (it's illegal to ride without one) and a good bike lock
• If you're planning to ride in the dark you'll also need front and rear lights
• Make sure brakes, tyres and chain are in good condition
• Is your bike set-up ideally for your body size? Are you over-extending your upper body? Is your seat at the right height? Is your helmet fitted correctly?
• Ask your local bike shop for advice and possibly a bike service
• Wear clothes that are unrestrictive, light, warm and dry quickly. They should be bright, for maximum visibility
• Ask other riders in your place of worship about facilities for changing, showering and storing clothes (if needed)
• If you're travelling light, try a backpack, courier-style bag or bike basket. Panniers (bags that can be fastened to a rack) are great for larger loads

6. How do I plan my trip?

• Start by speaking to regular cyclists and checking out maps available from your state or territory cycling organisation. Aim for a route that avoids fast traffic and narrow roads. You might be able to utilise off-road bike paths and on-road lanes
• You can also use the bicycle route websites Map My Ride to help plan your ride. (Bikely.com was previously another resource but it now no longer exists. Here's how it happened.)
• If you know someone who cycles in your direction, ask if they'd like to ride with you. Most regular riders love to share tips and help others get started
• Consider doing a trial ride.

7. What if I live a long way from my religious centre?

• Consider jumping on the train with your bike and getting off at a reasonable distance from your religious centre
• Have you thought of driving part of the way and riding from there, or cycling to the train station?

8. What does ARRCC hope to achieve with Ride to Worship Week?

• ARRCC hopes that people of faith will take the opportunity during Ride to Worship Week to have some fun and experiment with cycling or walking to their religious observances, or with using other environmentally friendly transport choices
• We hope that participants will enjoy the experience and integrate these transport choices into their daily lives throughout the year.

9. What if my religious community would like to participate in Ride to Worship Week but the date doesn't suit us?

• ARRCC has chosen the date of Ride to Worship Week to coincide with Bicycle Network Australia's National Ride to Work Day. Cycling will be in the media, and it is also a good time weather-wise to take up cycling
• Your religious community is welcome to celebrate Ride to Worship Week at another time if 7-13 October doesn't work for you. Please let ARRCC know which date you will be participating when you register for Ride to Worship Week.

Much of the material contained on this page was adapted from Bicycle Network Australia’s "The top 10 most frequently asked questions about riding to work", www.ride2work.com.au.