Getting to the Central Events bicycle with your safety vest instead of by bus, car or train? Organizing Committee of World Youth Day together with prof. Andrew Szaratą, head of the Communication Systems Technical University of Cracow and students from the academic circle, suggests pilgrims alternative means of transport.
Action “Cycling World Youth Day” is the result of analysis on the transportation during the World Youth Days. – We are aware of the limitations of the transport system in the Malopolska province. Many people will not be able to get to the WYD in time. So, we want to offer another possibility Directions. This alternative is a bike – explains prof. Andrzej Szarata.
The project involves the organization of groups that dojeżdżałyby parish located on the outskirts of Krakow, and from there – on foot or by public transport – would move to place Event Central. According to estimates, this form of transport can choose more than 20 thousand. people. – On the one hand, a very large group of people in their reflective clothing, but on the other it is a drop in the bucket, considering the number of more than 2 million pilgrims who have come to Krakow – says prof. Szarata.
To date, 47 set of routes for cyclists. Proposed routes bypass the federal and regional roads. Researcher Cracow University of Technology indicates that the network of roads requires clarification and verification.
It is also necessary for the designation of where the bikes are parked and properly secured. Leaving wheelers near Błonia or campus Misericordiae is impossible. Among the sites under consideration are lands belonging to the parish and the parishioners (eg. Gardens, plot) at a distance of 5 to 10 km from Błonia and Shores.
– I recommend arriving at the parking lot no later than three hours before the events of the Central. To the place of celebration you need to reach the bicycle parking, walking and weight are already so large that cycling in the direction of the Błonia Shores proves to be almost impossible. It will also be hard pressed to find a safe place to clamp the bike. The residents of Krakow also likely to choose two wheels and a place fit for fastening the bicycle to be occupied – says Mariusz Glazier of the Scientific Society of Communication Systems at the Technical University of Cracow.
According to Fr.. Emil Furtak, Deputy Coordinator General of the KO World Youth Day, the optimal distance between the parish from which pilgrims set off, and the outskirts of the city is 50 km or approx. 2 – 3 hours driving. However, one should take into account the degree of preparation and conditioning pilgrims. – If someone does not ride a bike, it Traversing 5 km is a challenge. I think that if they are people who already ride, the distance to 15 km will be right – notes Fr.. Paul Michalewski, a devotee of cycling, which suggests that now start to train. He advises to start from one drive per week and gradually increase the distance and frequency of trips.
The tasks of the pilgrims should not only fitness preparation. Ensure the efficiency of the equipment, adequate lighting bicycle patches on the inner tube, pump, tool kit and appropriate closure. Necessary equipment cyclist is also a map, reflective vest, reflective bands and a helmet. – The Organizing Committee of WYD only mediates the flow of information. We do not undertake to organize the project. Each group is autonomous and responsible for them – stresses Fr. Emil Furtak.
Is the action “Cycling World Youth Day” can be seen as a pilgrimage? – Young people are going to meet God. Check your bike for World Youth Day is an effort and sacrifices. Every kilometer you can offer in a particular intention, eg. As pope, bishops, youth. During the ride, you can also pray, for example. I often refuse rosary and crown – says Fr. Paul Michalewski.
On the spiritual aspect action also draws attention Mariusz Glazier. – The Polish religious tradition are important pilgrimages on foot. But now it is gaining popularity Extreme Way of the Cross. As you can see, the combination of physical activity with the activity of religious encounters in Poland on fertile ground – says the student, which in addition to the Scientific Society, also represents the Student Chaplaincy “The Small Town.”
During the organization of the previous WYD bike was not taken into account, as an alternative means of transport. – Selection of the bike is almost a guarantee that pilgrims will arrive on time. When the cars stuck in traffic, we do not have the possibility of running off the lawn and avoid impassable routes. The bike gives you independence – summarizes prof.