Portland, Oregon, known for its vibrant cycling culture and quirky events, will be without one of its most iconic spectacles this year: the World Naked Bike Ride. Organizers have announced a hiatus for 2024, giving this beloved, skin-baring protest a year off to regroup and strengthen its foundations for the future.
For two decades, Portland’s iteration of the global World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) has grown into a phenomenon. Starting in 2004, it quickly became one of the largest and most talked-about naked bike rides worldwide. It undeniably put Portland on the map as a unique cycling destination and a hub for body-positive activism. By 2013, the event reached record numbers, drawing an estimated 8,000 participants, and peaked at around 10,000 riders the following year. The ride’s popularity even led organizers in 2022 to express a wish for a slightly smaller turnout, highlighting the sheer scale it had achieved.
The pre-ride gathering at Peninsula Park on July 31st, 2022. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)
Behind the scenes, the Portland World Naked Bike Ride (PDXWNBR), a non-profit organization, relies heavily on a dedicated army of volunteers. As anyone who has witnessed or participated knows, managing thousands of naked cyclists – many of whom might be infrequent riders – through city streets alongside regular traffic is a considerable undertaking. This massive undertaking is orchestrated by volunteers, ensuring a fun, safe, and memorable experience, starting with a large pre-ride gathering and often extending to post-ride festivities.
This yearly spectacle is entirely powered by a grassroots non-profit without paid staff or permanent leadership. Each year, new volunteers step up to lead the charge. Organizers stated that the decision to take a year off stems from a realization that they currently lack the necessary leadership and volunteer support to execute the event to its usual high standard. Planning for the 2024 ride didn’t commence as early as anticipated in September, and by spring, it became clear that volunteer recruitment was falling behind critical goals.
In their official statement, PDXWNBR organizers elaborated on the complexities involved:
“Making the protest safe and accessible is a huge undertaking, months in the making. For many Portlanders, the PDXWNBR may be their only ride of the year, so we hold the event to a high standard, with comprehensive volunteer organization, neighborhood outreach, and coordination with agencies like TriMet and Portland Parks & Recreation. Our history has also shown us how a little more planning can make the protest even more welcoming, with local artists, musicians, medics, bike mechanics, and other community partners all on hand…
Portland deserves the World Naked Bike Ride to be done right, so we are retrenching and focusing on growing our diverse, all-volunteer team this year.”
Meghan Sinnott, a past lead organizer and long-time volunteer, emphasized the necessity of this pause. Speaking about the ride’s increasing popularity, she noted, “As this ride continues to grow in popularity, there are persistent struggles that are real.” While acknowledging her personal disappointment that the ride wouldn’t proceed this year, Sinnott conveyed that moving forward without adequate preparation would be a disservice to the event and its devoted participants. “There’s such a deep, deep reverence and love and joy around this event,” she explained, highlighting its significance beyond just a bike ride. “This ride is bigger than Bike Summer. It’s bigger than Portland bike culture. It’s iconic. There’s a lot of emotional investment in this.”
The current focus for Sinnott and fellow organizers is volunteer recruitment. They are actively seeking new leaders for the 2025 Portland Naked Bike Ride, particularly individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives extending beyond the typical cycling community. Those interested in joining the Leadership Committee for next year can apply through this form. The deadline for applications is September 6th at 11:59 pm.
For those still eager to embrace naked cycling this summer, fret not. Portland’s vibrant Bike Summer Pedalpalooza calendar, available on the Shift website, offers numerous alternative opportunities to ride in the buff. Check out the official Bike Summer Pedalpalooza calendar on the Shift website for more information.
In conclusion, while the absence of Portland’s Naked Bike Ride in 2024 is a notable pause, it’s a strategic move to ensure the event’s continued success and vibrancy in the years to come. The organizers are committed to returning stronger in 2025, fueled by a renewed volunteer base and leadership team. This year off is an investment in the future of an event that has become a symbol of Portland’s unique spirit and a powerful, body-positive protest.
