World Naked Bike Ride in NYC Protests Car Culture and Body Shame (Photos)

Alex Davies
Transportation / Cars
July 26, 2011

All Photos Courtesy of Barbara Ross

Sunday was a big day in New York City. It was the first day of legalized gay marriage, so there was plenty of celebrating going on in the streets. And to add to things, a horde of scantily clad, even naked cyclists were seen rolling through lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. They were participating in the third annual World Naked Bike Ride, NYC edition. With the slogan "bear as you dare," the ride was part of a worldwide network of naked rides, protesting against car-culture and carbon emissions, and to promote positive body image.

Few of the participants actually got naked, but a lot of body painting kept things interesting. Riders sported a variety of slogans, from the clever "burn carbohydrates, not hydrocarbons" to the simple "I love my bike" to the off-topic "I like cats." Despite a heavy police presence, the spirit of the ride was very convivial. One rider was arrested, and one ticketed for riding outside the designated lane.

The naked ride, which was originally scheduled for June and postponed to this weekend because of rain, ended with an after party in Williamsburg, hosted by Time's Up, a NYC environmental organization.

The World Naked Bike Ride, which now takes place in 70 cities annually, has caught on the in the last few years as a fun, eye-catching way to promote cycling culture and sustainable energy. Combined with the gay marriage celebrations and a killer heat wave, the ride certainly made for a fun weekend in New York.