One of the most startling spectacles in a town known for startling spectacles is back, in all of its jiggling glory. The World Naked Bike Ride will pedal into full view on Saturday (June 12) in downtown New Orleans, as it has for the past 13 years.
The dress code for the event is “as bare as you dare.” In that spirit, many participants will be clad in revealing yet somewhat restrained costumes. Others will camouflage themselves with strategically applied body paint. But, be warned, some will straddle their Schwinns as unclothed as Adam and Eve ever were.
Founder Sebren Strother said that fully clothed cyclists are welcome to join the ride, but they rarely do. Participants should wear whatever makes them feel comfortable, he said. Though, he added, “I guess it (the ride) will never make people comfortable.”
In a way, that’s the objective. The World Naked Bike Ride, which takes place in various cities across the globe, is meant to shock the public into bicycle awareness. The nakedness of the riders emphasizes their vulnerability in traffic. The theory is, if we notice cyclists in their birthday suits, maybe we’ll be more likely to pay attention to them under ordinary circumstances, too. Riders are known to paint the phrase “Can you see me now” on their bodies to emphasize the point.
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Strother said he’s never sure how many riders will participate in the free event. About 50-60 cyclists pioneered the first New Orleans ride in 2009, he said. By 2018, the number of participants had grown to approximately 550. Onlookers are known to gather along the route to cheer on the clothes-optional cyclists.
Because of the pandemic, last year’s ride was different. Instead of the usual swarm of hundreds of riders following the same course, small gaggles of cyclists followed separate routes in order to abide by pandemic protocols. But this year, the ride will return to form, with one big caravan.
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Riders should assemble at Markey Park, 700 Piety St. in the Bywater at 4 p.m. Saturday. At 5 p.m. sharp, the ride, led by burlesque star Bella Blue, will begin its trek toward the French Quarter on Royal Street. The cyclists will turn left on Franklin Avenue, then right on Decatur Street, right on St. Louis Street, right on Burgundy Street, and right on St. Ann Street. The sun-soaked riders will then return to Markey Park via Chartres Street.
For more information, visit the group's Facebook page.
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