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A few of the thousands of participants in Portland’s 2014 World Naked Bike Ride. Photo credit: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland, www.bikeportland.org

Portland’s World Naked Bike Ride

Portlanders bare their love (and bodies) for bicycling at this annual bike ride.

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2 min read

John Patrick Pullen

Editor's Pick
North Portland
This is a recurring event and we’re showing the details from its most recent past occurrence. We’ll update this page with future event info as soon as we get it. Please check back!
When
Saturday, July 30, 2022
Free
Where
700 N Rosa Parks Way
Portland, OR 97217

Wearing a helmet is a great way to stay safe while bicycling — no one would argue with that. But what about the rest of a rider’s attire? For the undressed masses who streak through Portland each year during the World Naked Bike Ride, accouterments are largely unnecessary. And besides, it’s much more fun to bike buck naked.

Every June, thousands of cyclists cruise commando through Portland streets as part of the World Naked Bike Ride, a global protest against oil dependency.

As a part of a worldwide protest against the dependency on oil, this annual event has seen Portlanders pedaling au natural every June or July since 2004. (Fun fact: Portland’s Naked Bike Ride is the world’s largest, drawing 10,000 people in 2015.) The route is kept a secret, ride organizers only reveal the starting point in advance.

Wherever the ride begins, the clothes come off and the body paint goes on, adding all sorts of flourishes to bicyclists’ birthday suits. Then, thousands of naked bike riders hit the roads, cruising commando through streets closed off to cars by (fully-clothed) Portland police officers. Never-nude medical personnel and bike mechanics are also on-hand, in case of emergencies.

Questions About Portland’s Naked Bike Ride

Can I participate without a bike?

Anything non-motorized and human-powered is acceptable and welcome. Skateboarders, rollerbladers, people on scooters, and joggers are often seen joining in the protest. 

Can I rent a bike to ride in the protest?

Portland has many options for visitors to join in the Naked Bike Ride. You can find a bike rental in this directory. Or take advantage of Portland’s Biketown bike-share system and protest in style. Keep in mind, however, that thousands of people participate in the ride, many of whom may also want to rent a bicycle. It is recommended to find a rental well before the event.

Isn’t it illegal to be naked?

Nudity, in the form of protest, is protected by Oregon’s constitution. However, lewd behavior, as defined by Oregon law, is not. Please don’t be lewd, obscene, or engage in any sexual activity – that is an arrestable offense.

Won’t I get cold?

It is recommended to wear shoes and helmets, which can help keep the chill at bay. Many riders start with more coverings and remove layers as they warm up from riding. The average temperature of the evening around the event is 60 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight wind, so dress (or undress, as the case may be) accordingly.

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Over the years, the ride has turned into a festive tradition, with after-parties giving bare bikers places to see and be seen. But don’t expect to find a scene full of looky-loos. Sure, there are threadbare tandems, unclad unicyclists and even recumbent bikers in the buff — but the event also has a no-nonsense approach and forbids alcohol use and inappropriate behavior, so everyone can feel safe and comfortable streaking through Portland with the wind at their, um, backs.

And with the unofficial motto of “as bare as you dare,” all manner of clothing and costume is allowed. Frankly, socks and shoes are smart, helmets and pads never hurt anyone, masks are popular for shy riders, and fanny packs aren’t all that embarrassing (for once). Just don’t roll in with your bike attached to a car — ride to the park or load your wheels onto a city bus — because burning fossil fuel en route to this event would be offensive.

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