Thousands of cyclists in Philadelphia embraced body positivity and advocated for safer streets at the 15th annual Philly Naked Bike Ride. On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, participants gathered at Glendinning Rock Garden before cycling through Center City, adorned with body paint and glitter, to raise awareness for their causes and capture the attention of onlookers. The ride concluded at Drexel Park, marking another successful year for this unique event.
The Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride, a yearly tradition since 2009, with the exception of a COVID-related postponement, stands as one of the largest naked bike rides in the United States. This year’s event was anticipated to be even bigger, potentially surpassing Portland’s ride – typically the largest – due to its cancellation, attracting participants from as far as the West Coast.
Like numerous events linked to the World Naked Bike Ride, a global movement encompassing over 120 similar gatherings, the Philly ride champions cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation and pushes for reduced dependence on fossil fuels. This ethos is encapsulated in the PNBR’s catchy slogan: “Less gas, more ass.”
This year’s ride carried added significance as it coincided with heightened calls from bike safety advocates for the city to enhance street safety measures. This urgency follows the tragic death of Barbara Friedes, a local cyclist struck by a driver on Spruce Street. The driver involved has since been charged, including for driving under the influence at the time of the incident. While promoting these serious messages, the Philly Naked Bike Ride maintained its lively and celebratory atmosphere.
Scroll down to view (NSFW) photos from the 2024 Philly Naked Bike Ride.
Cyclists apply body paint at Glendinning Rock Garden in preparation for the Philly Naked Bike Ride, showcasing the event's artistic and expressive atmosphere.
A participant named Jim gets "PNBR" painted on his leg at Glendinning Rock Garden, displaying personalized artwork before the Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride.
A sign declaring "No More Bicycle Deaths!" leans against a bicycle at Glendinning Rock Garden, emphasizing the street safety advocacy message of the Naked Bike Ride.
Jo and Caragh share a pre-ride hug at Glendinning Rock Garden, illustrating the sense of community and camaraderie at the Philly Naked Bike Ride.
Stanley Ware, organizer of the Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride, waves flags at Glendinning Rock Garden, signaling the start of the annual body-positive cycling event.
A participant named Jim gets "PNBR" painted on his leg at Glendinning Rock Garden, displaying personalized artwork before the Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride.
Melanie paints "PNBR" on her partner Jim's chest, sharing their story of meeting at a previous Naked Bike Ride and celebrating their anniversary at the event.
Rocket adds glitter to a participant at Glendinning Rock Garden, enhancing the festive and celebratory atmosphere of the Philly Naked Bike Ride.
Participants relax and socialize at Glendinning Rock Garden before the Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride commences, showcasing the pre-ride community gathering.
Joe Cox, a PNBR organizer, poses with his Chihuahuas at Glendinning Rock Garden, adding a personal touch to the Naked Bike Ride preparations.
Keino poses for a portrait at Glendinning Rock Garden, capturing individual style and body positivity at the Naked Bike Ride gathering point.
Camille applies glitter to Amaury's chest at Glendinning Rock Garden, contributing to the vibrant and expressive pre-ride body painting session.
Brian and Claudio pose together at Glendinning Rock Garden, showing the diverse and inclusive community participating in the Philly Naked Bike Ride.
Claudio displays his "Make America Drunk Again" drink holder next to DJ wearing a Trump mask, showcasing the diverse expressions at the Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride.
Bystanders near City Hall react to the passing Philly Naked Bike Ride, illustrating public interaction and awareness generated by the event.
The Philly Naked Bike Ride proceeds past City Hall, a central landmark in Philadelphia, during the annual demonstration for cycling and body positivity.
A spectator records cyclists at the Philly Naked Bike Ride near Broad and Chestnut streets, documenting the public engagement with the event.
Jah King Odacious films the Naked Bike Ride passing by City Hall, capturing the event's progress through Philadelphia's urban center.
PNBR participants pause at a red light near City Hall, showing the cyclists navigating city traffic during the 2024 Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride.
