The World Naked Bike Ride

In 2006, fourteen men and women got naked and rode their bicycles through the streets of Melbourne, Australia, in order to demonstrate that bicycling is a safe, environmentally-friendly form of transportation.

During the last twelve years, the World Naked Bike Ride has grown to include thousands of riders in Melbourne and over 50 other cities around the world, including Chicago, St. Louis, and San Francisco in the United States.

Public nudity is illegal in most cities in the U.S., and many riders have had encounters with the police.  There have been only few arrests, however.


















Sometimes they try to bypass public nudity laws by wearing elaborate body paint instead of clothes.  I think this guy is dressed as a pineapple.

A cloud, maybe?

Riders also take the opportunity to post political or inspirational messages.

















Or messages of other sorts.

Participants come in all sizes and shapes.



















Of course, nothing in the rules says that you have to wear body paint.  You can be "as bare as you dare."

















The next World Naked Bike Ride is March 18th in Melbourne.  In the United States, it will be in June.