Fourteen years ago, Vancouver-based social activist Conrad Schmidt helped organize the first World Naked Bike Ride, a clothing-optional event to celebrate the power and individuality of the human body while advocating for less oil dependency and more bike-friendly streets and communities. Since then, the yearly rides have spread to more than 70 cities around the world. Others raise money, as well as awareness, for various causes. Groups of as many as 8, nude or nearly nude cyclists ride peacefully together and are generally tolerated, if not even assisted by local police forces.

Here's some advice for navigating your first clothing-optional cycling event. Saving the planet, promoting a healthy body image, being self sufficient—all are worthy goals that many organizations share. Many such groups raise money and host events to spread their message. Some also ride naked.

The World Naked Bike Ride is a protest. We decided to forego gathering for the kickoff of the ride back in mid March when the pandemic started to come into light. We understood Covid was going to alter our summer in profound ways, and had a sinking suspicion numbers might rise after May… It was clear that encouraging naked cyclists to congregate in th But we also know our audience. You all are diehard fans, and by the end of June we predicted that you were going to need an outlet for protest and an opportunity to get out and ride.

The mass gathering for was called off in May due to the coronavirus pandemic that continues to spread across Oregon. But as people continue to recreate outdoors, that leaves room for individual acts of protest close to home, organizers said. The World Naked Bike Ride is officially a protest against dependency on oil, and protesters often show up for other causes, like body positivity and cyclist safety. Public nudity is actually illegal in Portland , but court rulings have made an exception for protests.