World Naked Bike Ride
What is the World Naked Bike Ride ?
The World Naked Bike Ride takes place in about 75 cities around the world. It is an international protest against dependency on petroleum and a call to respect the planet and its people. The “bare as you dare”, clothing optional ride also raise other political and social issues. Among them are bicyclist safety and 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. The WNBR celebrates cycling and the human body.
Is Public Nudity Illegal?
It depends upon the location. Since it is a political demonstration, non-sexual public nudity is not illegal in Portland. The state of Oregon does not have an ant-nudity statute. As long as it isn’t done to sexually arouse oneself or others, there is no violation of state law. Most cities in Oregon do have ordinances against public nakedness but in 1985, a Multnomah County judge ruled that one cannot be guilty of criminal indecent exposure if it is used for protest. County Circuit judge Jerome LaBarre said, “It’s been well-known since Lady Godiva that the shock value of nudity can be a very important protest,” and a “well-established tradition” in Portland. He ruled that nudity under these terms is a form of “symbolic protest“.
The Portland Police Bureau will not arrest WNBR participants simply for being naked. In fact, the event is organized with the cooperation of the police, who manage traffic control so the ride is not overly disruptive.
Is it OK to take photos at the World Naked Bike Ride?
Yes but…
It is understood that when one is in public, they have little control over having their photograph taken. There are rare exceptions but this public protest is not one of them. Nonetheless, photographers should respect riders desire for privacy, when expressed, and should avoid taking pictures of those who do object. Whenever practical, the photos on this website were taken after verbal consent was given. We will remove pictures from keep-portland-weird.com upon reasonable request. There may be a few gawkers at the WNBR. It is best not to be too judgemental about this and to understand that this year’s gawker may be next years participant. If someone is found to be creepy or behaving inappropriately, they should be reported to WNBR volunteers or security.
WNBR Articles and Photos
