Making cycling inclusive Posted on August 4, 2026
Pedals and Prayers, a ministry of North Branch: First UMC, launched its innovative and accessible bicycle ministry during this year’s July Fourth community parade. ~ photo courtesy Mary Jankowske
North Branch: First UMC’s new outreach ministry, Pedals and Prayers, provides adaptive bicycles at no cost to individuals with mobility challenges.
GLENN M. WAGNER
Michigan Conference Communications
North Branch is a village of 1,111 people in the middle of Michigan’s Thumb, about 40 miles northeast of Flint. It is also home to the historic First United Methodist Church, where Mary and Terry Jankowske have attended for 36 years, finding a supportive spiritual community in which to grow and share their Christian faith.
Mary and Terry have been avid cyclists for many years. Mary has fond memories of bike trips along scenic Michigan roads and trails. Biking is not only great exercise for the mind and body, but it also lets the Jankowskes meet people along the way and make new friends.
Mary started a cycling group through church, and since Terry has now started riding an e-bike, she realized that many people, for various reasons, could benefit from adaptive bikes, which would give them the opportunity to enjoy being in nature while bike riding with others.
A new adjustable recumbent trike helps Pedals and Prayers make cycling outings accessible to people unable to use a 2-wheeled bike. ~ photo courtesy Mary Jankowske
Encouraged by their pastor, Rev. Ted Alkins, the Jankowskes have helped launch an innovative ministry with other avid cyclists in the congregation, called Pedals and Prayers.
The ministry leaders share their vision: “We want to make the simple pleasure of a bike ride accessible to everyone, regardless of disability, fear of falling, weight concerns, or anything else. The sunshine on your face, the fresh air, and the fellowship and fitness should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of ability. Let’s all ride!”
During suitable weather from spring through October, Pedals and Prayers plans to host bicycle outings that include fellowship, prayer, and shorter trips on scenic trails and roads for interested bikers. The group’s specialty bikes and trikes help make these outings accessible to people with special needs. Pedals and Prayers has established a Facebook group to share information about the group and planned outings.
Pedals and Prayers, with the help of group member and grant writer Jean Kreiner, has received generous grants from the Michigan Conference through the Ministry Innovation Fund and from the Lapeer County Community Foundation. These seed funds have helped the group purchase and equip a storage shed, a bicycle-hauling trailer, and several custom-made adaptive bicycles to make biking more accessible to people with disabilities. The group is still raising funds and plans to add a wheelchair-accessible bike to its fleet.
Specialty trikes owned by Pedals and Prayers from First United Methodist Church of North Branch, Michigan, help make bike outings more accessible while growing faith and fellowship. ~ photo courtesy Mary Jankowsek
Their collection of specialty bikes includes a 3-speed, hand-crank trike. The 3-wheeled trike eliminates balance concerns and can accommodate a person with no legs or limited use of their legs, as pedaling is done with the hands on the handlebars while the legs rest on a platform.
They also have a 24-speed recumbent trike that supports up to 300 pounds and a heavy-duty 21-speed recumbent trike that supports up to 400 pounds. These 3-wheeled trikes also eliminate concerns about balance when riding.
They have also added a heavy-duty adult upright trike with a 300-pound capacity to their collection.
These specialty cycles will be taken to the bike trails and other locations in Lapeer County for public use at no cost. Scheduled rides will be posted in the Pedals and Prayers Facebook group. You can also email the group at pedalsandprayers.umc@gmail.com.
Mary Jankowske related that on their very first outing in a nearby park, they met another biker who shared that his wife had suffered a stroke and could no longer accompany him on their regular bike rides. When he saw Pedals and Prayers’ new accessible recumbent tricycle and learned how it operated, he biked home, drove back to the park with his wife, and watched with tears as a smile returned to her face as she pedaled around the park on the recumbent trike on her own.
The Pedals and Prayers float helped announce this new cycling ministry to the people of North Branch during the July Fourth parade this year. ~ photo courtesy Mary Jankowske
Mary observed that the connections she has made in the cycling community help her share good advice with others about which bikes are available, where to purchase them, and where to get them serviced. She is also willing to meet one-on-one with individuals who need tutorial assistance operating one of their more accessible bikes.
The Pedals and Prayers ministry held its first public launch during this year’s July Fourth parade in North Branch. The group painted their trailer red, white, and blue, showcased their new bikes, wore their new group T-shirts, and passed out bags of candy and information cards about the group to more than 800 people along the parade route.
Those wishing to contribute to this ministry are welcome to donate online via the North Branch: First UMC’s website. Earmark the gift for Pedals and Prayers. Checks may also be sent to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 156, North Branch, MI 48461, with “Pedals and Prayers” in the memo line.