Bare Biking for the World Naked Bike Ride

This event was originally conceived as a protest against car culture and oil dependency, and takes its name from the fact the ride is “clothing-optional.”

A popular slogan for World Naked Bike Day encourages participants to ride “as bare as you dare.” While many riders go fully naked or paint their bodies with political slogans, no one is excluded from the event, which is designed to promote peaceful participation in the struggle to end our reliance on fossil fuels.

Since its inception in 2004, WNBD has grown to feature rides in 70 cities in 20 countries worldwide, with more of a focus given to cycle advocacy. The nakedness of the cyclists highlights their vulnerability compared to other road users, and provides an eye-catching visual reminder of the work that needs to be done to make our roads safer for cyclists.

Political messages are encouraged during the ride, with flyers handed out to onlookers and participants encouraged to use portable PA systems.

The latest round of rides took place during the second week of June across the Northern Hemisphere, including U.S. cities such as New Orleans, Houston and Madison. Check the WNBD website to find out when and where your nearest ride will take place.

WNBD gained considerable media coverage in the United Kingdom after one participant at the event in London had to be removed from the ride for becoming “excited.” Hopefully that was just his way of drawing attention to WNBD and its admirable cause.