World Naked Bike Ride - Chicago

1. The Seventh World Naked Bike Ride (and skate) Chicago (WNBR-C7) will be the evening of Saturday June 12th somewhere in Chicago IL. Travel planning hints below.
2. Location is not disclosed until days before, and only to the emailing list, based on experience to limit crowding of the creepy variety. Furthermore the announced location is only a check point where next directions are given to verifiable participants. If you plan to come just to look and hope to bluff your way in, make other plans. SmartPhone/SMS users see mobile notes.
   2009 Check-In was: After 6pm near the "O" sign, 1077 W Randolph (ish).
3. Gathering is 6-9pm at undisclosed location. Body painting may be available, but wait can be so long that coming pre-decorated later is recommended. Read details below. If you show up there without bike/skates, or with a camera, and say you didn't know or that someone said you could or feign language trouble, you will be laughed off premises.
4. Ride is about 9pm-midnite. Route is not announced in advance, and maps are not guaranteed. Expect to follow guides. SmartPhone/SMS users see mobile notes. You MUST be capable of as much as 20 miles of urban biking.
5. Recommended viewing point(s) for fans and spectators WILL be announced on this site and elsewhere days before the events. Spectators may also use the mobile features.
   2009 Spectator Advice was: Come near Finkl, on Cortland by Kingsbury before 11pm. Wave and cheer safely from the sides, behave yourselves or else, and come without car.
6. Participants bare-as-you-dare; anything from body paint to underwear to fanciful costumes are encouraged.
7. Remember the slogan: "Celebrating the end of oil and the beauty of people."
   Remember the keyword: "Responsibility"
   Be nice to everyone, and leave no trace. If you can't do these don't come.
8. This event is not for everyone. It is easiest for repeat participants and friends, Chicago Critical Mass riders, and other able local cyclists and skaters. If you are distant or uncertain, please read details below.

Interested in the amazing World Naked Bike Ride Chicago?
JOIN the Yahoo group / mailing list right now!

World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) is an international clothing-optional bike (or other person powered) event where participants ride en masse for the dual purpose of bringing attention to people powered transport and promoting positive body image. For a great overview see WikiPedia. In the western hemisphere the event happens on the second Saturday in June, annually since 2004. In Chicago it is held in the late evening.

The event is bare-as-you-dare; anything from body paint to underwear to fanciful costumes are encouraged. Due to legal restrictions in Chicago, full frontal nudity is at your own risk, but large numbers of participants do go all out. Large-scale body painting is typically available pre-ride, and personal expression is encouraged. Cyclists familiar with Critical Mass (which is massive in Chicago) can see this as a clothing optional additional early June mass.

Chicago's past events included many hundreds of cyclist and numerous skaters and covered over a dozen miles of high visibility city areas. In 2008 the 5th annual event drew a staggering 1700 riders! Blessed by decent summer weather in a great cycling city, the event has grown into a fantastic rolling celebration, with similarities to other major alternative happenings world-wide. Participants often describe it as a transcendent group experience, personally transforming, and beyond superlative.

I'm coming from beyond Chicago or don't have a bike

This event is already massive and our streets are only so wide. Furthermore use of cars is strongly discouraged. So if you can't come with a bike (or skates etc) and participate fully with little to no fuel use please join us in spirit instead by DONATING from this website. If you don't own a bike DONATE then come to a viewing point and cheer! If you are way in a burb DONATE then tell your friends what you did! If you are more distant DONATE then get something seeded locally. Bottom line: If you can't do this ride with ease, consider doing the responsible thing by DONATING instead.

I'm coming from a near suburb with a bike

Work out RTA travel details on your own. Also see the RTA brochure on the topic of bikes. Conductor discretion may apply. Unfortunately Metra prohibits bikes on trains during WNBR weekend due to festivals. A policy many find absurd. But folding bikes may be allowed depending on crowding and conductor discretion. Bike paths may also be an option. Travellers are encouraged to share details in the chat group or forums. Location is not announced until days before the ride, but within a mile of Harpo is likely.

I'm coming from nearby without a bike

Bobby's Bike Hike offers THE WNBR-C rental special (under $20?!?). Call for details on reservation, pickup, return, etc, but basically you need to get it before sunset and return it courteously cleaned before the next afternoon. Located W of Navy Pier, River East Docks, 465 N. McClurg Court, 312-915-0995, http://bobbysbikehike.com

Can I come take pictures?

NO. Event photography/videography is already well handled and no new applications are considered. As stated in ride guidelines: NO photographs allowed before ride in mass preparation area except by identified authorized personnel, and no photos whatsoever at private after events if any. This policy is security and mass enforced and subject to ejection. Furthermore photography by participants during the ride is strongly discouraged due to traffic safety issues and for the personal comfort of other riders. Press photographers should come to the spectator area. Do everyone a favor, leave the camera behind, just enjoy the ride then see the official albums later. However, participants must assume by participating that they may be photographed at any time.

Can I come on inline skates?

YES! Several skaters have joined the ride for years. Please read this advice page about skating with Critical Mass. Quads may also be capable.

Can I come on skateboard?

Yes. Several competent skateboarders (mid to long) have completed prior rides. Foot scooters may also be capable.

Can I Jog?

No (sortof). ONLY people with people powered wheeled vehicles are allowed in starting area. Jogging in particular is problematic because there's no way of validating claimants as participants, and many non-participants have tried it as a false claim. Furthermore, the sustained distance and speed are challenging (15-20mi/3-4hr). Several have tried, but in practice I'm not sure any have finished. If you're a strong runner with a will to try, consider joining for some portion en-route. Come to announced viewing point or join the mobile group for day-of tracking.

Can I come on Segway?

No. ONLY people with people powered wheeled vehicles are allowed in starting area. Furthermore, the mass and speed are a danger to other riders.

Can I come in a PediCab?

Yes, if you can afford $75+/hr. Contact: Chicago Rickshaw 773-494-2143 Chicago-Rickshaw.com OR Roger Rickshaw 773-620-7921 RogerRickShaw.com This is new territory, so details are uncertain, but I'd suggest book 8:30-11:30pm, have them meet you at the check-in point (tba), and idle there until ride leaves around 9pm. You WILL be expected to be as minimally dressed as other participants. Come pre-decorated, but robed.

This sounds hard, I'm still not sure...

Frankly, participating takes some GUTS and ABILITY. So no worries if your not up to it. First timers browse the photos here, then just come watch somewhere en-route, and make a PayPal donation on this site. Not everyone needs to be on the front line.

Do I have to sign up?

Join the Yahoo Group for location information. Then show up at the start location before the ride leaves.

Is this ride free?

Yes, this is a free bicycle ride. Donations of food drink money or body paint are all welcome. We do have some costs, so any donation (use PayPal link on left of every page of this website) is extremely welcome.

What should I bring?

You should bring yourself, your wheels, a pack to keep your clothes in, and any other basic supplies desired. You will not be able to leave anything at the start location, including your clothes, so if you have extra supplies, make sure you have a basket or rack or large bag or something.

Won't my bike seat hurt my crotch if I'm naked?

Mr. Bike Recommends covering your seat with a towel or soft cloth.

What if I haven't ridden my bike for a long time?

The ride being in June gives you all spring to get ready. See Mr. Bike's Advice Here

Are helmets required?

Helmets are strongly encouraged, but not required by law yet in Chicago.

How far do you ride?

We ride about 12-22 miles, historically, with one or more brief rest stops but no water or restrooms promised. Riders may conceivably join at points in progress for shortened route.

Will I be able to keep up?

We ride fairly slowly. As typical of large group of cyclists, it is difficult to go very fast. Most riding is 3-7mph (though some bursts or lagging end may be much faster), so the average competent rider should be able to keep up, young or old. At that rate, the ride takes over three hours.

Are Children allowed on this bike ride?

This is a non-sexual event protesting both oil dependency, and repression of the natural human form. All are welcome, but ultimately parents and underage must be responsible for their own observance of applicable care and curfew requirements.

What if I get lost? Or breakdown?

There will be maps. But the mass does not stop. There are a number of riders knowingly equipped to help out, but only for minor problems. Even a simple flat has caused some to bail. Sometimes PediCabs are available to rescue, but sorry no guarantees. Worst case, just rejoin us at the end point when you can. SmartPhone/SMS users see mobile notes.

Can I come hang out naked if I'm not going to ride?

No, because the goal is partially to be nude, but more than that, to show that cutting down on oil consumption can be fun. Especially if you drive over, then not ride, you're making it worse.

Who should press contact?

Press should use current or recent press releases available on the flyers pages here, and draw from the introductory paragraph on the about page, as well as review post-ride reviews. You may also try the forums. Due to volume of communication and spam, we cannot publish direct contact info here.

Who's in charge? Who's responsible?

This site, and everyone involved with the ride, are bottom line just helping improve the safety and message impact of an event which frankly would happen anyway, just as Critical Mass rides do. There is no real formal organization, no assets, no business nor profit nor commercial interests at all. Ultimately, we just facilitate communication and try to keep things peaceful and positive. Typical unmoderated website precautions and disclaimers should be assumed to apply to all content here. As to riders, personal responsibility is key. We're not your mom.

SmartPhone users should bookmark MassUp.Us for live map on ride day. This mobile optimized site also provides weather, and monitors chatter.
SMS users can join the text chat group at Upoc or text JOIN WNBRC to 8762

If you're uncomfortable going completely naked or you are afraid of even the remote possibility of legal scuffles, then don't go completely naked.
You don't need to cover up much to be legal. The local laws on nudity in practice are a balance between public complaints and officer discretion.
Either wear something skimpy that you're comfortable in, or simple use the incredible transforming powers of a little body paint, a sock, or tape.
For some ideas see past year's photos.
As mentioned in the ride guidelines, for maximum First Amendment protection integrate nudity with your message: "burns fat not oil", "nude not lewd", "no concealed weapons", "naked is how vulnerable I am sharing the roads with cars"
Technically Chicago code allows a FINE for exposed genitals, pubes, anal areas, and women's nipples. Getting arrested requires adding some mix of alcohol, non-compliance, no ID, belligerence, etc. Not a substitute for real legal advice, full city code below:
8-8-080 Indecent exposure or dress.
Any person who shall appear, bathe, sunbathe, walk or be in any public park, playground, beach or the waters adjacent thereto, or any school facility and the area adjacent thereto, or any municipal building and the areas adjacent thereto, or any public way within the City of Chicago in such a manner that the genitals, vulva, pubis, pubic hair, buttocks, perineum, anus, anal region, or pubic hair region of any person, or any portion of the breast at or below the upper edge of the areola thereof of any female person, is exposed to public view or is not covered by an opaque covering, shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 for each offense. (Prior code § 192-8; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99931, § 5.4)
Also note bike headlight law: Chicago Muni Code 9-52-080(a):
Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a head lamp which shall emit a white light visible from a minimum distance of 500 feet from the front and with a rear red reflector capable of reflecting the head lamp beams of an approaching motor vehicle back to the operator of such vehicle at distances up to 200 feet or a rear lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear.
Also see this important CAPS bulletin to bike massers.

1. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT carry open alcohol.
2. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT arrive or be anywhere near public facilities naked.
3. PARTICIPANTS must show person-powered wheels; no exceptions.
4. SPECTATORS go watch around 11pm near Finkl on Cortland by Kingsbury. Stay to the sides and keep your hands to yourself or else.
5. NO PHOTOS permitted before or after ride in gathering areas except by authorized crew, others may be ejected. Photos by riders during ride is discouraged for safety. Best to just enjoy, then see others' albums online later. Assume however by participating that you may be photographed anywhere at any time. Press should come to the spectator spot above.
6. Exposed goodies, especially male, may target you for ticketing. Even naked butts may be risky. Do so at your own risk or remain minimally covered or painted.
7. For maximum First Amendment protection integrate nudity with your message: "burns fat not oil", "nude not lewd", "no concealed weapons", "naked is how vulnerable I am sharing roads with cars"
8. If confronted by police OBEY COMMANDS and comply, DO NOT ESCALATE, do not argue. If told to put something on simply do so immediately. And thank them en-route for their help.
9. This ride is monitored by National Lawyers Guild volunteers who can serve as witnesses in case of trouble. If arrested immediately call the NLG office at 312-913-0039
10. We are "Celebrating freedom from oil and the beauty of people!" Hostile acts are completely uncool towards anyone not directly threatening rider safety. In case of problem cars take flash photos and comfort driver a few minutes until the future has passed. In case of problem spectators, warn and take photos.
11. NO LITTERING!
12. For more information visit ChicagoNakedRide.org

1. Keep a slow pace, it's easy to get excited and start pedaling faster, but we need to stay together and not get stretched out.
2. We don't need to blast through every red light. They're a great chance for the group to mass up, so we must stop every so often to allow the group to remain in a tighter formation.
3. Avoid passing cars and swallowing them up in the ride. Drivers caught in bike masses tend to make erratic moves, so it's best to just stop behind a pack of cars and wait for them to move on.
4. Stay out of the oncoming lane, we don't need both sides of the street and must leave room for emergency vehicles.
5. If you have never been on a big group ride in Chicago see helpful tips from Critical Mass.
   
6. SOUND BITES:
   "Say no to oil."
   "Less gas, more ass."
   "Cars support terrorists."
   "Naked is how vulnerable I am sharing the roads with cars."
   "Bikes don't block traffic, bikes ARE traffic"
   "Why are we naked? Because it got your attention."
   "This is an annual free speech exercise promoting bicycling."
   "Bicyclists make better lovers!"

Home • About • Photos • Links • Flyers • Forums

World Naked Bike Ride International Home Site

Chicago Yahoo Group - For ride announcements.

Chicago WIKI - Chicago post-ride reports.

ChicagoNakedRide.org - This site.

Chicago Yahoo CHAT Group - For unmoderated threads.

WNBR-C on: MySpace • Chain Link • Wikipedia.

MORE WNBR-C Recommended Links