Grin and Bare It

Are you ready to bike in your birthday suit?

by Brian Howard

Enrique Matías Sánchez RIDIN' DIRTY: Though this is Philly's first Naked Bike Ride, many other cities, such as Zaragoza, Spain (pictured), have participated in it before.

[ action/think tank ]

You've heard about this Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride, and you've laughed at the jokes. But with the PNBR — and its messages of anti-consumerism, anti-oil dependency and pro-body image — rapidly approaching, you're thinking: Maybe I could do this, but ... So we asked Clifford Greer, one of the ride's facilitators, to answer some lingering questions. He did. Enthusiastically.

City Paper: Are riders required to be naked?

Clifford Greer: No! Come in costume! Come wearing a banner! Come painted or paint yourself and your friends at the meeting place!

CP: Isn't riding naked kind of uncomfortable or painful?

CR: You'd be surprised how comfortable it is. Go riding in a pair of loose-fitting boxer shorts to get an idea. Or sneak out for a late-night streak! Experiment with improvised undergarments and seat covers if it will make the ride more enjoyable.

CP: It's illegal to ride in public, right?

CR: In most places in the world, riding naked through your city's streets is illegal. Our great city does indeed have indecent exposure laws. PNBR is about self-empowerment. Do you think a naked body is indecent? Neither do we. If you are worried about going completely naked, if you fear possible legal scuffles, don't go completely naked. Body paint can do wonders to disguise a little nudity. Try a sock. Even a little tape can do the trick.

CP: So exactly what is this really all about?

CR: In 2004, the groups World Naked Bike Ride in Canada and Manifestacion Ciclonudista in Spain collaborated on the first international naked bike ride to protest oil dependency and celebrate the power of the human body. Since that time, cities all over the world have organized their own rides. The message has evolved to focus a little more on cycling advocacy, people power and positive body image. Philadelphia is on the cusp of developing a cyclist-friendly attitude, and we ride to encourage cycling as a legitimate method of sustainable transportation, promote self-confidence, and foster a unified community amongst widely varying urban cycling cultures.

In 2008, an official count of 1,700 riders was reported in Chicago's fifth annual NBR; 1,200 riders participated in London's 2009 NBR; 1,500 or more participated in Portland's 2008 ride. More stats can be found at wiki.worldnakedbikeride.org.

CP: What should riders do if confronted by a police officer?

CR: Comply with the officer's wishes. PNBR is not about creating conflict with the police or with other traffic. It's about taking our place on the road peacefully, naked, loud and proud, and spreading a positive message. It's not easy confronting a happy naked person on a bike!

CP: What if someone is not used to riding with traffic or on long rides?

CR: The route is an accessible length and will progress at an accessible speed for most riders. It will be amidst motor vehicle traffic on city streets.

CP: Should riders be worried about being photographed?

CR: A photography/videography statement is available on the Web site for photographers and riders to review. Visual records of the event help continue to send the message of the ride into the future. It's up to you, the participants, to make sure your preferences are known to anyone wanting to record the event and help promote respect for your personal space.

There may not be an expectation of privacy at a public nude event. It's likely [that] onlookers, riders and people along the route will want to capture the event for memories and to help promote the cause of WNBR and our city's ride. If harassment occurs, tell your fellow riders or ride leaders and they will help you defend common courtesy and promote respect. Anyone making a rider uncomfortable will be required to leave the event.

CP: Is this just for cycling nudists?

CR: PNBR welcomes all cyclists, skaters, roller bladers, recumbant-riders, hipsters, bike nerds, retirees, cyclo-commuters, pedi-cab drivers. Come and join us!

CP: Should riders bring anything — y'know, like some shorts to throw on in an emergency?

CR: Bring a flat kit, water, sunscreen, a cover-up (just in case) [in a backpack or basket]. And be ready to have a good time.

(bhoward@citypaper.net)

PHILADELPHIA NAKED BIKE RIDE | Sun., Sept. 6. Meeting place and time will be revealed via e-mail (sign up at phillynakedbikeride.org) and the route will be communicated at the meeting place. Participation is at your own risk. There is no registration and you can ride anonymously. A non-naked party will follow. Ride-day and pre-ride promotion volunteers are needed. Those interested should send an e-mail to info@phillynakedbikeride.org with the subject "VOLUNTEER."