2015 World Naked Bike Ride

June 27, 2015

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2015 WNBR in Portland, OR

By Keep-Portland-Weird.com Editor
June 27, 2015

2015 WNBR PDX

WNBR-2015-seat The 2015 Portland World Naked Bike Ride was a huge success!

On June 27, 2015 thousands of people answered the call to “Bare as you dare” and joined the ride in Portland. The WNBR takes place in scores of cities around the world. It is a protest against dependency on petroleum. Many other social and political causes are represented as well. In the context of a political protest, non-sexual public nudity is not illegal in Portland; it is considered an exercise of free speech.

The ride has the additional purpose of raising awareness of cyclists and promoting body positivity. A naked cyclist demonstrates vulnerability in no uncertain terms. The artistic body paint, and human bumper stickers on wheels, call attention the the message of cyclist safety.

Nude recreation enhances our connection with nature and each with other. People have a different way of interacting when they shed the clothing barrier and reveal their normal, natural, imperfect selves. Love, openness, tolerance, and body acceptance abound at the WNBR.

A few hours before darkness fell, riders gathered at Colonel Summers Park, in the Buckman neighborhood in SE Portland. The atmosphere was festive, with music, body painting, Frisbee, and drumming. There were no noticeable disruptions or problems at the gathering. The event organizers had a security team in place just in case but other than a lone bible-thumping counter-protester, there was little excitement other than that of a joyful nature. The counter-demonstrator was tolerated and largely ignored. Of course, there were a few gawkers, although most spectators were suportive and encouraging. Media and police generally suggest those who might be offended should simply stay away or indoors.