Text & Photography Julian Lucas
September 20, 2021, 12:00am
The World Naked Bike Ride Los Angeles made a triumphant comeback to the city of Angels on a morning of overcast, to something more than simply being nude.
The "bare as you dare" bike ride included nudist cyclists of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities. Participants who met at the MOCA Geffen reveled in their nakedness while on two wheels, but the gathering was also a visual call to action, aiming to bring attention to the vulnerability of cyclists - protesting against vehicle culture and our dependence on fossil fuel.
The internationally-known World Naked Bike Ride that began in 2004 was created by the social activist, filmmaker, and writer Conrad Schmidt. Each year, Angelenos gather, take off their clothes, and ride through the city. It is as much of a ride to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling as it is a celebration of the human body.
Since its first year of existence, the World Naked Bike Rides have taken place in more than 75 cities globally, with 21 participating west coast cities with cities such as Portland, Oregon, being the largest with about 10,000 participants annually. Of course right?
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The World Naked Bike Ride Wiki page, which is shared by rides all over the world, lists the following as the most often cited reasons for riding:
Save the planet! Shifting to a carfree lifestyle is one of the most powerful things a person can do to make a real difference in reducing negative environmental impacts on this planet.
“Our message to the world is one of simplification, human harmony and love. For a future to exist for tomorrows generations, we have to stop wasting the life blood energy of the Earth, stop fighting and killing in the name of consumerist wealth accumulation and learn to love and respect all life on this planet.” – Conrad Schmidt, founder of The Work Less Party and Artists for Peace and WNBR and organizer for WNBR Vancouver, BC
It’s time to put a stop to the indecent exposure of people and the planet to cars and the pollution they create. We face automobile traffic with our naked bodies as the best way of defending our dignity and exposing the vulnerability faced by cyclists and pedestrians on our streets as well as the negative consequences we all face due to dependence on oil, and other forms of non-renewable energy.
Body image/self awareness. Cycling promotes body awareness, the fact that one can achieve a more healthy lifestyle from the exercise we achive by using self-powered transport
Self-sufficiency. Cycling makes us non-renewable energy sources, less dependent oil
Think Globally, Act locally. Cycling promotes local cycling businesses and local cycling organizations.
Less is more. WNBR strips the complexities from modern transport to a simplified message of cycling. For the vast majority of most peoples’ transport needs, cycles are the right vehicle for the right job. “You don’t need a wheelbarrow to carry a pea”.
The unabashed vehicle of the revolution. By cycling naked we declare our confidence in the beauty and individuality of our bodies and the bicycles’s place as a catalyst for change in the future of sustainability, transport, community and recreation.
“Unless we change direction, we are likely to end up where we are heading.”
Community-building. Bicycles create public space, enhance street life and build a sense of community
“If you see someone you know while riding, it’s easy to stop and say hello. Bicycles create public space, enhance street life and build a sense of community”– Go By Bicycle
Peace of mind. “People are looking for places where they’re not constantly being confronted with cars. It’s just like non-smokers seeking smoke-free space.” – Franziska Eichstaedt-Bohlig, German Green Party
Julian Lucas, is fine art photographer, visual journalist, and creative strategist. Julian also works as a housing specialist which, includes linking homeless veterans to housing. Julian has lived in Chicago, Inglewood, Portland, and the suburbs of Los Angeles County including Pomona.
