About 25 cyclists doffed most of their clothes Saturday to pedal through downtown Victoria for the World Naked Bike Ride.
The cyclists’ 3 p.m. meeting at the B.C. legislature almost conflicted with an appearance by Morris dancers scheduled to perform at the same time.
But the cyclists were able to calm security by asserting theirs was only a brief rendezvous to meet and get naked before riding around the city.
Participants said opting to ride in nothing but their helmets is a way to draw attention to how exposed cyclists are when they share the road with motorists.
“It’s really about indecent exposure to auto fumes and to raise awareness about how vulnerable cyclists are on the road,” said Tim Browne, 47, of Oak Bay.
“If you get into an accident, your clothing won’t offer any protection,” he added. “So you might as well be naked.”
Browne, who owns no car and gets everywhere on foot, by bicycle or via bus, has a personal stake in the message. He suffered several broken bones in an accident with a vehicle in 2011. “It’s pretty important for me.” The event is part of a global phenomenon, with naked rides scheduled in more than 70 cities in 20 countries. Vancouver’s clothing-optional event drew more than 200 people protesting oil dependency and car culture.
But the nude ride also brings a message of comfort with the naked human form.
Christine White, 24, of Saanich, a veteran of several World Naked Bike Rides, said the event for her is about feeling calm and comfortable while baring all.
“It’s about body confidence and feeling good about ourselves,” she said.
— With a file from The Canadian Press
