Portland, Oregon, a city renowned for its vibrant cycling culture and spirited events, will experience a notable absence this year. The Portland World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR), an iconic and internationally recognized event, is taking a hiatus in 2024. Organizers announced that this well-deserved year off will allow them to regroup, strengthen their foundations, and ensure an even more robust return in the future.
This decision marks a significant moment for an event that has become synonymous with Portland’s unique character and cycling advocacy. For two decades, the Portland Naked Bike Ride has served as a powerful protest against oil dependency and a celebration of body positivity, drawing participants from around the globe.
Why a Year Off for Portland’s Naked Bike Ride?
The Portland World Naked Bike Ride, first launched in 2004, rapidly grew into one of the largest events of its kind worldwide. It firmly established Portland as a hub for naked cycling and activism. By 2013, participant numbers soared to over 8,000, and peaked at approximately 10,000 in 2014, transforming city streets into a jubilant, skin-positive spectacle. Ironically, its very success became a challenge, with organizers in 2022 expressing hopes for a smaller, more manageable crowd.
Enthusiastic participants gather at Peninsula Park for the Portland Naked Bike Ride in 2022, showcasing the event's vibrant community spirit. The annual Portland OR Naked Bike Ride is taking a hiatus in 2024 to strengthen its volunteer base.
Behind the scenes, the Portland WNBR is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers operating under the nonprofit Portland World Naked Bike Ride (PDXWNBR). Organizing an event of this scale – envision thousands of undressed cyclists, many infrequent riders, navigating public roads – is a monumental undertaking. It requires meticulous planning for safety, logistics, and creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved, from the pre-ride gathering to the after-party.
This massive effort is shouldered by a grassroots organization without any paid staff, relying entirely on volunteer leadership that often changes annually. In a recent statement, the organizers explained that they recognized a shortfall in leadership and volunteer support necessary to uphold the high standards of this celebrated ride.
“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 clarified.
They further elaborated on the extensive preparations required:
“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.”
A Moment to Retrench and Rebuild for the Naked Bike Ride
Meghan Sinnott, a long-time volunteer and former lead organizer, emphasized the necessity of this pause. Speaking about the decision, she conveyed an understanding that while disappointing, it is ultimately in the best interest of the event and its devoted participants. “As this ride continues to grow in popularity, there are persistent struggles that are real,” Sinnott noted, highlighting the increasing demands of managing such a large and beloved event.
Sinnott articulated the deep emotional connection many feel towards the Portland Naked Bike Ride: “There’s such a deep, deep reverence and love and joy around this event,” she shared. “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 year off is seen not as an end, but as an opportunity to protect and nurture this iconic event for the future.
The current focus is now firmly on volunteer recruitment and cultivating strong leadership for the ride’s anticipated return in 2025. Organizers are actively seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, extending their invitation beyond the usual cycling community. Interested individuals can apply to join the Leadership Committee through an online form with a deadline of September 6th at 11:59 pm.
Naked Cycling Opportunities Still Exist in Portland
For those in Portland eager to embrace naked cycling this summer despite the WNBR hiatus, there are still options available. The official Bike Summer Pedalpalooza calendar, accessible through the Shift website, lists various bike-related events, some of which might align with the spirit of the Naked Bike Ride. Exploring this calendar can reveal alternative opportunities to enjoy cycling in the buff within Portland’s vibrant Bike Summer festivities.
While the absence of the Portland World Naked Bike Ride in 2024 will be felt, this year off is a strategic move to ensure the event’s long-term health and vibrancy. The organizers’ commitment to rebuilding their volunteer base and leadership team signals a dedication to bringing back an even stronger and more sustainable Portland Naked Bike Ride in the years to come.
