PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Bicyclists bared as much as they dared for Portland’s World Naked Bike Ride Saturday night.
This year’s ride started at Laurelhurst Park just before 9 p.m. Then, bicyclists wearing as much or as little clothing as they choose rolled out en masse along a 6-mile route that wasn’t disclosed ahead of time.
The World Naked Bike Ride takes place in dozens of cities in various countries around the world each year.
It began as a protest against society’s dependency on oil, with bicyclists using the event as a way to draw attention to human-powered modes of transportation as a way to lessen our carbon footprint.
The ride still focuses on that ideal but those who participate may do so for a slew of various reasons. Many celebrate things like body image positivity, self-awareness, local cycling businesses, relaxed lifestyles and community building.
While nudity in the city of Portland is banned in a public place “open or available to persons of the opposite sex,” nudity as a form of protest is protected under state law.
There are several parties around Portland after the Naked Bike Ride — although participants will have to add some layers (or at least shoes) to attend a few.
