History
The World Naked Bike Ride group was created by Daniel Johnson and Conrad Schmidt to help coordinate a large international naked bike ride between many different activist groups across the World. The World's first international naked bike ride in 2004 was a collaboration between the WNBR group which rode on 12 June and Manifestación Ciclonudista in Spain which rode on 19 June.
Prior to the June 2004 World Naked Bike Ride, there were two independent organizations organizing very similar events with virtually identical messages of protesting oil dependency, they were Artists for Peace in Canada and Manifestación Ciclonudista in Spain. Despite having virtually identical messages neither of these groups even knew of the existence of the other.
The history of naked cycling
Visit the naked cycling history page. See also the Media coverage page.
A history of unabashed free-wheelers
The bicycle was invented in the early 1800s. Early fashions were extremely cumbersome and dangerous for the rider. Like the open water swimmers who rejected the dangerously heavy swimwear of their day, there can be little doubt many tried riding their cycles naked, however, little information about such outings was made.
For the most part the naked cycling that has taken place has been mostly at naturist/nudist communities and resorts around the world. Small community festivals, less-traveled roads, mountain trails, and other remote outdoor areas have also been favorite places for those looking for peace and fresh air away from their hectic urban lives.
As streaking became popularized in 1974, more streakers reached for their bikes for some fun variation. Several parades and fairs became targets for those wishing to crash the event and add a bit of spontaneity and thrills. The Summer Solstice Parade in Fremont District of Seattle is probably the best example. Naked riders also showed up randomly at Critical Mass events around the world.
All of the groups on this page have had their own approach to cycling naked. Some focus on body painting and participate within the context of ancient cultural celebrations. Others use their body to bring attention to political issues. Some ride at night and others during the day. Some ride tricycles, unicycles, skateboards, rollerskates, or rollerblades. What is your city's ride going to be like?
