The Church of England in Greater Manchester is encouraging its churches to welcome cycling by offering bike racks, cycling cafes and safety courses.
It's supporting the new Beelines project, a plan by cyclist Chris Boardman and Transport for Greater Manchester to transform Greater Manchester into Britain's first 'cycling city', aiming to persuade two-thirds of those who currently use their car as their main mode of transport to walk or cycle.
Chris Boardman said: "Churches are a fantastic hub that can bring people together. By supporting cycling they can help people get around in a more ecologically friendly, healthy and pleasant way."
It also coincides with the church's aim for Manchester to become an Eco Diocese.
The diocese has produced an interactive map on its website to help churches find where they will sit on the Beeline 'network' of walking and cycling routes.
The Diocese of Manchester commissioned Church Times artist Dave Walker to create a cartoon encouraging churches to welcome people who cycle.
The Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, said "Beelines is all about making it easier to get about the city, on foot and by bike. We're really excited about it because it will improve people's health and it will help to people to get about. Our churches are ideally placed in every community to offer a welcome for cycling. It fits well with our desire to become an Eco Diocese, which means taking seriously our care of God's creation."
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