Five Theological Reasons to Ride a Bike

In part because BikePgh is currently celebrating BikeFest 2011, and in part because my church is offering a , I've been thinking recently about the connection between bicycling and theology.

Here are five reasons I think bicycling could be considered a spiritual practice:

1. Getting Outside. I believe there is intrinsic spiritual value in getting outside and connecting with nature. When we stay inside our homes, workplaces, and cars most of the time, we lose touch with the revelation of God through the beauty of nature. There is something inexplicable but profoundly important about the feeling of rain on your skin, the smell of plants and soil, and the sounds of animals in their natural habitat. Riding a bike is one channel for making this connection with the outdoors.

2. Environmental Stewardship. God gave us one earth to care for, and it is beyond question that when it comes to being good stewards of our environment bicycling is a more responsible mode of transportation than vehicles that use fossil fuels. That is one reason why many people have taken to bicycling to and from their workplaces. By reducing air pollution, traffic, and noise pollution, commuter cyclists are quietly but effectively contributing to a greener environment for all of us.

3. Exercise. Just as we have collectively been given one earth to tend, so each of us has individually been given one body to care for. So in as much as it is within our control, we should do our best to keep our bodies healthy. Riding a bicycle is a great form of exercise year-round and is a good alternative form of exercise for people whose joints have suffered from activities such as running or walking. Regular cycling can be part of a person's practice of responsible physical stewardship.

4. Recreation. Many theologians have in recent years begun to emphasize the importance of play in the living of a spiritually fulfilling life. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, there is a good reason why one day out of every seven is set apart for recreation—or "re-creation," as it were. In my experience, denying myself an appropriate amount of play time never brought me any closer to God. When I finally learned to enjoy guilt-free recreation time away from work, it actually enhanced my spiritual life. Bicycling can be great fun, so why not get out there and enjoy the ride?

5. Meditation. It's a myth that you need to sit still in order to meditate. Bicycling can provide an opportunity to clear your head, focus on your breathing, and be mindful of the present moment. The benefits of meditation are manifold, ranging from stress relief to spiritual enhancement. While on some rides I'm distracted by things like traffic or the elements, on others I'm totally immersed in prayer.  If you've never tried meditating on two wheels, I would encourage you to give it a shot!

If you are a cyclist, I'd love your input. Have you ever thought of riding a bike as a spiritual exercise? Does all of this seem like a stretch? Have I left anything out? Let me know what you think in the comments!