The World Naked Bike Ride, a global event celebrated in over 70 cities, recently took place in Melbourne, marking two decades of this unique protest in the southern hemisphere. Originating in Spain and Canada in the early 2000s, the event first officially launched in Vancouver, Canada, in 2004. This clothing-optional ride aims to promote body positivity and advocate for less oil-dependent transportation, while also encouraging more cycle-friendly streets.
Melbourne's edition of the ride covers a 10km route through the city's central business district and inner suburbs. Over the past 20 years, it has grown significantly, becoming the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Participants are encouraged to adorn their bodies with paint and decorations, adding to the festive atmosphere that celebrates low-carbon transport and rider safety.
"The ride started small and has grown in popularity each year." – Michael James
The event has gained momentum each year, attracting hundreds of cyclists from diverse backgrounds. Participants find the experience both joyful and empowering, using it as an opportunity to advocate for cyclists' visibility on roads and to challenge societal norms surrounding the human body.
One such participant, Pablo Teleg, a Filipino student who joined the event for the first time last year, shared his experience of spontaneity and liberation.
"A Filipino student had given away his bicycle that same morning and a few minutes later I was getting my body painted and then riding nude in the crowded city with people honking and cheering." – Pablo Teleg
Pablo drew parallels to a similar protest in his home country.
"There’s this University of the Philippines Oblation Run, which is also a form of nudist protest, but it’s exclusive to men [fraternity members]." – Pablo Teleg
He was surprised by the deeper messages conveyed through body art during the ride.
"I had no idea about [the naked bike ride’s] essence aside from being a fringe thing until I saw messages about body positivity, gender equality, climate policies and cyclists visibility in the streets painted on people’s bodies." – Pablo Teleg
For many participants, the World Naked Bike Ride offers a chance to enjoy a sense of liberation and freedom. Dearne Weaver, another participant, describes the event as an antidote to negativity.
"At the end of the day, anything that brings people joy is vital right now, anything that distracts you from all that darkness and negativity. This brings me a lot of joy. When you’re out there, naked, smiling and laughing and riding through the city, it feels outside of the box. It just feels awesome – honestly." – Weaver
Despite some initial hesitations about public perceptions, Weaver emphasizes a broader message about body acceptance.
"There’s still a lot of road users that remain hostile or downright aggressive to sharing the road with cyclists. But on top of this, I see this as a reminder that being naked is not any kind of implied consent – it is just a human body. It’s not just body positivity, but just body acceptance." – Weaver
This welcoming and supportive environment attracts individuals from all walks of life.
"The participants had this friendly and joyful energy and it was nice and sunny. The suddenness and novelty of the experience just felt like a pleasant dream to me." – Pablo Teleg
Weaver recalls her first solo ride with fondness.
"The first time I went solo and I did expect it to be mostly guys, as many nudist and cycling events are, but then we went and I found it a very welcoming, very appropriate and very supportive experience. I had an absolutely great time – I don’t think you could have wiped that smile off my face if you’d tried." – Dearne Weaver
While reactions from onlookers vary, most are positive.
"I mean there are always going to be a few horrified glances and curses, but the vast majority of people love it and cheer us on especially when they realise we are chanting about rider visibility and safety and the environmental benefits of cycling. We’ve even had people spontaneously strip off and join us." – Dearne Weaver