Cyclists show some skin

by Sam VanSchie

Rob Alder photo Cyclists gather outside the Legistature building downtown.

Scantily clad cyclists swarmed the streets of Victoria on June 10 to celebrate the third annual World Naked Bike Ride.

Shocking civilians and tourists, the group of nearly 100 rode for over an hour through downtown and surrounding communities chanting, cheering, ringing bike bells and urging others to join them.
“You can put your clothes in my bike trailer,” one cyclist told passersby.

While dozens of cyclists were brave enough to bare all, the majority wore underwear, body paint or some kind of costume.

Organizer and promoter Rebecca Mackin constructed her outfit from used bike tubes and white feathers.

“I use to think I’d never do this,” said Mackin, “but it’s liberating to break your own limits.”

Taking place in over 40 cities around the world, the event was officially created in 2004 as a demonstration against car culture and oil dependency. But for many of the cyclists, that isn’t the only reason they ride.

For some, stripping down is about rejecting the body ideals put forward by mainstream media and accepting one’s self. This message was exemplified by one nude cyclist with, “Every part of me is beautiful,” written across her back.

Others suggested that the ride is a protest against consumer culture, and one man confessed that he feels more naked without his bike than without his clothing.

For first-time participant Chelsea Clark, the reason to ride was simple.

“Nudity is better than clothing, and bikes are better than cars,” Clark said joyfully.

Admittedly, many were out for the attention from onlookers and the media.

“We want to blow their minds,” explained cyclist Rob Roa before leading the group across the sea wall.
“The best part is seeing the response of bystanders—they don’t know how to react,” added Roa, who cycled in lacy women’s underwear.

Indeed, there were mixed reactions, the majority positive. Drivers in cars honked their horns, pedestrians cheered and clapped, people ran out of stores and houses to see the commotion, and everybody wanted a picture.

“I wish I had a bike,” said spectator Stevo Leclerc who hopes to be involved in the ride next year.

Turnout has grown rapidly since the first year, which Mackin described as herself and a group of 15 friends cycling drunkenly in the rain late at night. The popularity of the event is no surprise for Mackin.

“Victoria is a British city with a long history of streaking,” she said laughing.

Globally, cyclists come out in the thousands to take part in their local naked rides, with the largest groups in London and Madrid.

Roa was pleased with the turnout and enthusiasm of the Victoria ride and hopes next year’s will be even bigger and better.

“It’s the most fun you can have without your clothes,” said Mackin.

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