Portland’s World Naked Bike Ride
Portlanders bare their love (and bodies) for bicycling at this annual bike ride.
John Patrick Pullen
Know Before You Go
The 2020 Naked Bike Ride has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the World Naked Bike Ride website.
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, accoutrements 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 oil dependency, this annual event has seen Portlanders pedaling au natural every June 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, with only the starting point revealed 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 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.
Related Events
Biking Events
Bike-loving Portlanders have come up with all sorts of rides and events that fill the calendar with two-wheeled shenanigans.
Pedalpalooza Bike Festival
Portland's cycling culture peaks during June's multi-week Pedalpalooza (returning June 1–30, 2019), featuring 200+ local-led, themed rides, all open to the public.
Portland Sunday Parkways
This family-friendly bike ride features local vendors and live entertainment.
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.
Upcoming Biking Events
Pedalpalooza
UPDATE: In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Pedalpalooza 2020 will emphasize individual rides rather than encouraging people to bike in groups. Visit the Pedalpalooza website for more details. Every year, Pedalpalooza brings over four weeks of biking fun with special rides and events throughout Portland. With over 100 different events (most organized by individuals), bikers…
Portland Sunday Parkways
This family-friendly bike ride features local vendors and live entertainment.
Sunday Parkways: Gateway
Head to Gateway in Northeast Portland for Sunday Parkways’ 4.8-mile loop of the neighborhood. One of the shorter routes of the summer, Gateway’s Sunday Parkways is a great option for families and friends who want to walk (instead of bike) at the event. Parks along the route include Hazelwood Hydro Park, Gateway Discovery Park, Knott…
Bridge Pedal
THE 2020 EVENT IS CANCELED. The Bridge Pedal is scheduled to return Aug. 8, 2021. Please visit the event website for current information. Portland’s annual Bridge Pedal is a community celebration of the city’s iconic bridges and biking culture. Join your friends and neighbors for the one opportunity each year to bike or walk on…
Sunday Parkways: Green Loop
Sunday Parkways heads to the historic North Park Blocks forit s 7-mile route along Portland’s Green Loop. This ride will pass by multiple cultural hotspots, including the Portland Art Museum, North and South Park Blocks, Lovejoy Fountain, Portland State University and the city’s Central Eastside. To view the complete route (and find more rides), visit…
Sunday Parkways: Northeast Portland
Come out and enjoy the last Sunday Parkways of the season with this 7.6-mile ride in Northeast Portland! Enjoy the walking/biking boulevard of Ainsworth along with the neighborhood greenways of Going street, Holman street and Alberta Court. Parks along this route include Alberta Park, Woodlawn Park, Fernhill Park and Khunamokwst Park. To view the complete…