Melbourne is preparing for a unique spectacle this weekend as hundreds of cyclists are expected to participate in the 20th annual World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR). This isn’t just about stripping down for a bike ride; it’s a powerful form of protest and celebration rolled into one, aiming to highlight critical issues such as cyclist safety, body image diversity, and the promotion of sustainable transportation. For participants, going Naked On A Bike is an act of liberation and a bold statement.
Dearne Weaver, a 61-year-old community worker, shared her experience from her first Melbourne WNBR in 2019, admitting initial concerns about potential male dominance, common in nudist and cycling circles. However, her worries were quickly dispelled. “I found it a very welcoming, very appropriate and very supportive experience,” she recounted. “I had an absolutely great time – I don’t think you could have wiped that smile off my face if you’d tried.” Her positive experience underscores the inclusive and joyful atmosphere that defines the event. Weaver is returning this year, eager to again embrace the ride’s empowering message.
The Melbourne event has grown significantly over two decades, evolving from a small local gathering into the largest naked bike ride in the Southern Hemisphere. Organizers are proud of this growth, seeing it as a testament to the increasing resonance of their core messages. A key part of the ride’s impact is the public reaction it provokes. Weaver describes the exhilarating experience of cycling through the city naked, noting, “I mean there are always going to be a few horrified glances and curses, but the vast majority of people love it and cheer us on especially when they realize we are chanting about rider visibility and safety and the environmental benefits of cycling.” She even mentions instances of spontaneous participation from onlookers, demonstrating the ride’s infectious energy and persuasive message.
Pablo Teleg, a 30-year-old building designer originally from the Philippines, participated in the naked bike ride for the first time last year, finding it incredibly liberating. Moving to Melbourne in 2022, Teleg’s experience was transformative. “A Filipino student had given away his bicycle that same morning and a few minutes later I was getting my body painted and then riding nude in the crowded city with people honking and cheering.” For Teleg, coming from a conservative background and as a gay individual, the event was unprecedented. He drew a comparison to the University of the Philippines Oblation Run, a male-only fraternity nudist protest, highlighting the WNBR’s broader inclusivity and message. “I had no idea about [the naked bike ride’s] essence aside from being a fringe thing until I saw messages about body positivity, gender equality, climate policies and cyclists visibility in the streets painted on people’s bodies.” The visual messaging, combined with the act of riding naked on a bike, powerfully communicates these diverse yet interconnected themes.
Teleg was struck by the positive atmosphere. “The participants had this friendly and joyful energy and it was nice and sunny. The suddenness and novelty of the experience just felt like a pleasant dream to me.” This sense of joyful community is a recurring theme among participants, highlighting the ride as not just a protest, but a positive social experience.
The World Naked Bike Ride movement began in the early 2000s, gaining momentum in Spain and Canada. Vancouver-based activist Conrad Schmidt is credited with formalizing the event in 2004, envisioning it as a clothing-optional demonstration to promote body acceptance and advocate for reduced oil dependency and improved cycling infrastructure. Since then, the WNBR has become a global phenomenon, taking place in over 70 cities worldwide. This year’s calendar includes events in locations ranging from Byron Bay to London and Portland, Oregon, showcasing its international appeal and the universality of its messages.
Michael James, a 63-year-old retiree and Melbourne co-organizer with extensive involvement in over 50 naked bike rides globally, has witnessed the Melbourne ride’s evolution firsthand. “The ride started small and has grown in popularity each year,” he notes. This year’s Melbourne ride will commence at Lincoln Square in Carlton at noon on Sunday. Keeping with tradition, the exact route remains undisclosed until the day of the event to manage crowds and minimize traffic disruptions, particularly at busy intersections.
James encourages participants to expect a vibrant display of body paint, exuberant shouts, and the lively sounds of bells and whistles. For many, it’s a unique, once-a-year opportunity to experience the city streets in an entirely different way – naked on a bike, surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals.
For Weaver, the naked bike ride serves a dual purpose: advocating for cyclist visibility and challenging societal norms around the human body. “There’s still a lot of road users that remain hostile or downright aggressive to sharing the road with cyclists,” she points out. Beyond road safety, she emphasizes the ride’s message of body acceptance, stating, “I see this as a reminder that being naked is not any kind of implied consent – it is just a human body. It’s not just body positivity, but just body acceptance.” This perspective adds a layer of social commentary to the event, addressing broader issues of consent and body image.
In a world often marked by anxiety and conflict, Weaver sees events like the naked bike ride as vital sources of joy and empowerment. “At the end of the day, anything that brings people joy is vital right now, anything that distracts you from all that darkness and negativity. This brings me a lot of joy. When you’re out there, naked, smiling and laughing and riding through the city, it feels outside of the box. It just feels awesome – honestly.” Her sentiment encapsulates the core appeal of the naked bike ride: a joyful, liberating, and impactful event that combines protest with pure, unadulterated fun.
