The 17th Annual Philly Naked Bike Ride Is This Weekend and This Year’s Theme Is ‘Shameless naked bicycle joy'”
The 17th Annual Philly Naked Bike Ride Is This Weekend and This Year’s Theme Is ‘Shameless naked bicycle joy'”
The Philly Naked Bike Ride (PNBR) will return Saturday, August 22, for its 17th year, bringing cyclists through the city as part of the global World Naked Bike Ride movement. The event promotes cycling advocacy, fuel-conscious transportation and body positivity.
Despite the name, participants are not required to ride fully nude. The event follows a “bare as you dare” approach, encouraging riders to participate in whatever level of dress or undress makes them comfortable. This year’s theme is “Shameless naked bicycle joy!”
The ride is free, open to cyclists of all experience levels, and does not require registration. Participants of any mode of human-powered transportation are welcome to join. The group typically travels about 10 miles through Philadelphia at a slow, conversational pace.
The Philly Naked Bike Ride is one of many local events connected to the broader World Naked Bike Ride movement. The first international naked bike ride took place through a collaboration between the World Naked Bike Ride group, which held its ride on June 12, 2004, and the Manifestación Ciclonudista, which held its event on June 19 of that year. The World Naked Bike Ride organization was founded by Conrad Schmidt to help coordinate large international naked bike rides among activist groups worldwide.
The exact starting location, start time and route for this year’s ride will be announced on the event’s website 24 hours in advance. Organizers say the last-minute announcement helps limit spectators and allows flexibility in choosing a location that can safely accommodate the thousands of expected riders.
Participants are encouraged to bring a change of clothing in case they need to make a stop along the route. Organizers say sexual activity, along with lewd or obscene behavior, is not permitted and is treated as an arrestable offense under Pennsylvania law. The event enforces its own code of conduct in line with these restrictions.
Organizers note that in the ride’s history, previous editions have taken place without incident.
