Portland’s iconic World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR), a celebrated event known globally for its bold statement against oil dependency and promotion of body positivity, will not take place in 2024. Organizers have announced a one-year hiatus, describing it as a necessary step to “retrench” and fortify the ride’s organizational foundation for a stronger future. This pause marks a significant moment for an event that has become synonymous with Portland’s unique and vibrant cycling culture.
Since its inception in 2004, the Portland Naked Bike Ride quickly ascended to global prominence, becoming one of the largest and most visually striking WNBR events worldwide. It firmly established Portland as a hub for naked cycling advocacy and joyful protest. By 2013, the ride had already broken records, drawing an estimated 8,150 participants who filled the city streets with smiles and bare skin. The event peaked in 2014 with approximately 10,000 riders. Paradoxically, its immense popularity led to a point where, in 2022, organizers publicly expressed hope for a smaller turnout, highlighting the challenges of managing such a massive, volunteer-led event.
The pre-ride gathering at Peninsula Park on July 31st, 2022, showcasing the community spirit of the Portland Naked Bike Ride participants.
The Portland World Naked Bike Ride (PDXWNBR), a non-profit organization, operates entirely on the dedication of volunteers. As highlighted in previous reports, staging the event requires a considerable “army” of committed individuals. Envision thousands of naked cyclists, many of whom may be infrequent riders, navigating public roads alongside regular traffic, guided by volunteer ride marshals, with the expectation of a safe, fun pre-ride gathering and post-ride celebration. This undertaking is a monumental task for a grassroots organization lacking paid staff and relying on a rotating leadership team each year.
In their recent statement, the organizers conveyed that they currently lack the necessary leadership and volunteer support to execute the Portland Naked Bike Ride to the high standards it deserves. “The planning for 2024 didn’t start in September as expected, and by springtime we realized we were behind on our leadership recruiting goals,” the statement explained, indicating early challenges in the organizational timeline.
The statement further elaborated on the complexities involved in producing the event:
“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-term volunteer for over a decade, emphasized the necessity of this year off. Speaking about the decision, she noted, “As this ride continues to grow in popularity, there are persistent struggles that are real.” Her sentiment conveyed a sense of both disappointment about the hiatus and conviction that proceeding without adequate preparation would be detrimental to the event’s integrity and the experience of its participants.
Sinnott further articulated the profound significance of the Portland Naked Bike Ride, stating, “There’s such a deep, deep reverence and love and joy around this event. 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.” This underlines the deep community connection and cultural importance the ride holds for many.
Looking ahead, the organizers are now focusing their efforts on volunteer recruitment and identifying passionate leaders for the 2025 Portland Naked Bike Ride. They are actively seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, extending their reach beyond the traditional cycling community. Those interested in joining the Leadership Committee for next year can apply via this form. The deadline for applications is September 6th at 11:59 pm.
For those in Portland eager to experience naked cycling this summer, alternative opportunities exist within the city’s vibrant Bike Summer Pedalpalooza. Details on other naked rides can be found on the official Bike Summer Pedalpalooza calendar on the Shift website.
In conclusion, while the absence of the Portland Naked Bike Ride in 2024 will be felt by many, this hiatus is a strategic pause to ensure the event’s long-term sustainability and continued success. The organizers’ commitment to quality and community engagement signals a promising return for the Portland Naked Bike Ride in the future.
