About the World Naked Bike Ride : Chicago

WELCOME

Interested in the amazing World Naked Bike Ride Chicago?
JOIN the Fans Mailing List right now!

"Celebrating Freedom from oil and the beauty of people". World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) is an international clothing-optional people powered event where participants ride en masse bringing attention to freedom from oil while also promoting positivity. For a great overview see WikiPedia. In the northern 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. Some years drew more than 2000 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.

Bottom line: LESS GAS MORE ASS!!!

BASICS

  • Celebrating freedom from oil and the beauty of people! Bare as you dare. 6-8pm checkins. Riding before sunset.

  • CHECKINS must show Person-Powered Wheels. FANS see  chicagonakedride.com  MassUp.us  @ChiNakedRide  #WNBR for viewing points.

  • Arrive CLOTHED&SHOED. Keep your clothes WITH YOU at all times. Be prepared for weather changes.

  • Sometimes bystanders are grabby. SHY? Stay towards center, out of reach. CHIVALROUS? Guard our flanks. YELL NO!!! at creeps.

  • DRUGS or BOOZE may lead to arrest. Bare goodies may target ticketing. Obey police and thank them for their help. National Lawyers Guild monitors: 312-913-0039

  • This is a drop ride. Your bike and self MUST be ready and able to ride some fourteen miles over four hours (returns near midnight) possibly without water or potties.

  • NO PHOTOS in our before/after space (xcpt auth'd). Assume however that you will be photographed on ride. If you must take pics during ride always ASK!

  • Experienced riders are helping in safety vests. Heed them, and tell them any nonsense you see.

  • YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE! Be prepared, stay alert, take care, help others.

  • LEAVE NO TRACE!!! PICK IT UP and PACK IT OUT!!! RECYCLE cans. No glass please. Bring refillables.

  • HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!!!

WHAT TO EXPECT

  1. The FOURTEENTH World Naked Bike Ride (and skate) Chicago (WNBRCXIV) will be the evening of Saturday June 10th 2017 somewhere in Chicago IL. Travel planning hints below.
  2. *** BE CLEAR ON WHAT THIS ISN'T *** WNBR IS a people powered happening bringing radical attention against oil addiction; It's NOT primarily a naturist party. It IS a big fun ride for able area cyclists; It's NOT for the frail nor fliers/drivers. It IS an extreme free speech exercise trying to save the planet; It's NOT MardisGras. If you are distant or uncertain please read more details.
  3. Location is not disclosed until days before 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 on bikes. If you plan to come just to look and hope to bluff your way in, make other plans.
    Check-In has in recent years been after 6pm in the west loop.
  4. Gathering has in recent years been 6-8pm at an undisclosed location. Body painting may be available, but line so long that coming pre-decorated is recommended. Read details.
  5. Person Powered Wheels to pass check-in and no cameras in gathering area are strictly enforced, so if you show up there without bike/skates, or with a camera, and say you didn't know or that someone said you could, you may be laughed off of the premises.
  6. Ride is about 8pm-midnite. Route is not announced in advance, and maps are not guaranteed. Expect to follow guides, assume round trip. You MUST be capable of over a dozen miles of potentially chilly urban biking.
  7. Recommended viewing point(s) for fans and spectators:
    Mag Mile (Michigan, Wacker to Walton) ETA 9pm
    Boystown (Belmont, Sheffield to Broadway) ETA 10pm
    The Crotch (Milwakuee/Damen/North) ETA 11:30pm
    Suggested viewing points+times and the ride's progress live will be on Chi.Bike and chicagonakedride.com on ride day. Also on Twitter as @ChiNakedRide and #WNBR
    KEEP THE COURSE CLEAR!!! Wave and cheer and applaud from the sides and joy will be multiplied.
  8. Participants bare-as-you-dare; anything from fanciful costumes to body paint to undies are encouraged.
  9. Remember the slogan: "Celebrating freedom from oil, and the beauty of people."
    Be nice to everyone, and leave no trace. If you can't be golden don't come.

EVENT on SOCIAL SITES

RSVP is NOT required. Online event postings are just to give people like you space to join fellow riders in discussion and celebration.

FACEBOOK
Join the Group: Facebook.com/groups/wnbrc
RSVP to the Event: Facebook.com/events/437620379937244

THECHAINLINK
Members of a popular Chicago cyclist website can RSVP to the event at:
TheChainLink.org/events/world-naked-bike-ride-chicago-14
And join the group at TheChainLink.org/group/chicagonakedride

SPECTATORS
Go watch at some passing spots. And don't drive.
Suggested viewing points+times and the ride's progress live will be on Chi.Bike and chicagonakedride.com on ride day. Also on Twitter as @ChiNakedRide and #WNBR

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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's discretion applies.
Metra since 2011 DOES allow bikes on trains on ride day (formerly a blackout date due to blues fest) But ultimately always at conductor's discretion.
Bike paths may also be an option. Travellers are encouraged to share details in the Facebook group. Location is not announced until days before the ride, but West Loop area 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. 540 N Lake Shore Drive (off Ohio just W of Navy Pier) 312-245-9300 BobbysBikeHike.com/event-all
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 clearly identified PRE-authorized personnel) and no photos whatsoever at private after events if any. This policy is 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 collected 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 use MassUp.us 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 it. Contact: Chicago Rickshaw 773-494-2143 Chicago-Rickshaw.com or JBL Pedicab 855-JBL-PEDI Facebook.com/JBLPedicab or Tweet @ChiPediCab or Google it. Rates are negotiable but could reach $75/hr. This is new territory, so details are uncertain, but I'd suggest book 7:30-midnight, have them meet you at the check-in point (tba), and idle there until ride leaves after 8pm.
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 our emailing list for fresh info straight from the source. Near ride day check-in location information is announced there. Then show up at the check-in location before the ride leaves.
Where can I park?
At home please.
Is this ride free?
Yes, this is a free bicycle ride. Donations of money and body paint are all welcome. We do have some big 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 cyclists groups, 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 around 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 Facebook group. Worst case, try emailing
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.
Further reading on World site.

MOBILE USERS

SmartPhone users should bookmark Chi.Bike for live map on ride day. This mobile optimized site also provides weather, and monitors chatter.
Text ON to to follow mobile ride broadcast.

NOTES ON NUDITY

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.

FINAL PRACTICAL TIPS

  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: (more slogans here)
    "Nude not Crude"
    "Less gas, more ass."
    "Naked is how vulnerable I am sharing the roads with cars."
    "Bikes don't block traffic, bikes ARE traffic"
    "Cars support terrorists."
    "Say no to oil."
    "Why are we riding bikes naked? Why aren't you?"
    "This is an annual free speech exercise promoting bicycling."
    "Bicyclists make better lovers!"

KEY LINKS