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World naked bike ride

By Lori Bongiorno

Posted Sat Mar 7, 2009 8:06am PST

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Thousands of bike riders are shedding their clothes in the hopes that they can get us all to stop and think about the negative effects that cars (and the pollution they create) have on people and the planet.

World Naked Bike Ride kicks off on March 7, 2009 in Nimbin, Australia, and Pretoria, South Africa. Events continue through March 15, in Sao Paulo, Lima, Sydney, and other cities throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Most of the Northern Hemisphere rides will take place on June 13, although exact details depend on each individual location. The list of participating cities is long: New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Dublin, Mexico City, Tel Aviv, and many more.

It's certainly a powerful way to make a point, but what does it feel like to ride nude? According to past riders: "Just like it does with clothes, but a bit cooler." And, apparently, it's not any more uncomfortable than riding with clothes on. Click here for answers to other popular questions.

One big question, though, is whether it's legal. The answer: In most places riding your bike naked is illegal. However, only one arrest has ever been made at a WRBR event (in 2005, the year of the first bike ride). Some bikers use body paint and other creative ideas to cover up, and others choose to ride with a minimal amount of clothing.

Anything goes, even the choice of wheels (within reason).The organizers say any alternative body-powered transportation is welcome: skateboards, rollerskates, and more. In fact, several events have had people riding on unicycles, chopper bikes, and rickshaws.

Want to embrace the message of alternative forms of transportation and fuel, but aren't up for something as wacky as taking your clothes off in public?

Bike (with your clothes on, of course) or walk instead of driving whenever you can. Click here to see how walkable your town is.

While the organizers of the protest want to promote life without cars (and likely wouldn't approve of any suggestions that involve the use of oil), anything you can do to cut back on driving will help the planet. Some suggestions:

Take the bus, subway, or train. Find out about nearby public transportation options and calculate potential money savings here.
Carpool when you can. Use the Internet to connect with potential car-mates. Start with ZimRide, GoLoco, Facebook, or find links to regional options, at this Rideshare directory.
Even just bundling your errands instead of making separate trips to the store (or shopping online) can help.

Or, how about this? Next time you grab your car keys, picture thousands of naked bikers, and ask yourself if there's an alternative.

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Showing 1 - 15 of 176 comments

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Posted by connorcoffeypage Sat Mar 7, 2009 10:51am PST
Who in the wide world of sports is "Daisy K" and why is she posting such ridiculous and grammatically challenged nonsense in the comments section of this amusing and informative piece?? And Daisy? You might want to employ a little spell-check in your shilling for this undoubtedly invaluable web-site, as well - "suclessful?" Were it not for Lori Bongiorno's insightful blog, I'd right now be weeping for the future of our society...
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Posted by Chris R Sat Mar 7, 2009 5:37pm PST
These things always seem funny, except, what if I drove by that with my van full of 5 kids aged 10 and under. What about that? Sickos.
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Posted by Charliebeagle3, Angelsmom, Dynahgirl Sat Mar 7, 2009 5:46pm PST
AHAHAH id totally be going to those cities.
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Posted by A human Sat Mar 7, 2009 6:04pm PST
You're right, Chris R. Better that they regard nudity with shame and embarrasment. Peasant!
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Posted by YulmaB Sat Mar 7, 2009 6:31pm PST
Cant they do something else to prove their point instead of getting naked?
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Posted by Joey Sat Mar 7, 2009 6:59pm PST
this is done 2 times a year in Burlington VT
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Posted by herculesb Sat Mar 7, 2009 7:20pm PST
im gonna go drive my car around :)
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Posted by Zitro Sat Mar 7, 2009 7:59pm PST
The World Naked Bike ride is a great event. Besides protesting the dependence on oil, it exposes the vulnerability of cyclists. We are naked compared to everyone all wrapped up in two tons of steel. It also promotes positive body image. Seeing a naked person should not freak out people like "YulmaB" and "Chris R". We were all born born naked and we are naked under our clothes. It is also obvious the write of this blog,Lori Bogorino, is not a cyclist. In a perfect world, it would be great to never use a car. Unfortunatly it is just not possible. 99% of all cyclists have to still drive sometime. We just want people to be more aware of us.
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Posted by Trae B Sat Mar 7, 2009 8:26pm PST
I wonder how many kids/teens this is gonna scar? Then add with into the adults and elders. Then add that to some with mental disabilities......don't sound to good does it?
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Posted by M C Lutris Sat Mar 7, 2009 10:00pm PST
if people want to see things like this go out to la playa to see burning man, we don't need it in public places.
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Posted by Charlene Sat Mar 7, 2009 10:01pm PST
I don't understand the Daisy K comment.
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Posted by rugga1 Sat Mar 7, 2009 10:11pm PST
Alot of people get upset and may say "oh that's awful, it's a sin, etc etc" so I'll ask When did anyone ever see a baby born with clothes on,? I prefer to be covered up cause it's warmer ...and knowing what I look like other wise I don't want to make other's SICK... when in my 20's oh yeah lookin good but in my 60's ugh......have a great day
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Posted by william Sat Mar 7, 2009 10:11pm PST
I think they can have their little bike ride while still clothed. Why are they going naked? No wonder the majority of people think the "greenies" are kooks.
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Posted by Marc D Sat Mar 7, 2009 11:01pm PST
I would totally love to do that, But agree with some of the comments saying some of the elders might be a bit hard to take. But hey at least they aren't ashamed of their bodies. I think everyone should go out and do this!
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Posted by LONEWOLF Sat Mar 7, 2009 11:21pm PST
in life there are many statements that people want to make, but how we make the statement and why is very important. Riding naked might draw attention but does it really show the correct purpose of the statement in mind? Anyway there is nothing much we can really do since the damage is already done to our earth. Just do what you can and let God figure the rest.
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