On Saturday night, a group of riders bared it all through the streets, eliciting positive, confused and flat-out hilarious reactions on Twitter.
If you didn’t know the World Naked Bike Ride was happening Saturday night, then you, like many other Twitter users — and even one cop — may have been surprised to see a parade of a few hundred people on bikes in various states of undress, body paint and colorful costumes on the North and West Sides.
On Saturday night, hundreds of riders on human-powered transportation — bikes, scooters, skateboards and skates — wearing variable amounts of clothing took to the streets of Chicago for the 16th annual World Naked Bike Ride.
This year’s route started about 8 p.m. at 360 N Jefferson St. in the Fulton River District and wound its way east, eventually turning north to go up the Magnificent Mile. The riders continued north through Boystown and then back down to go through Lake View, Lincoln Park and Wicker Park before ending just after 11 p.m. in West Town.
Though naked is in the title, World Naked Bike Ride welcomes riders of all comfort levels, calling it “bare-as-you-dare, anything from body paint to underwear to fanciful costumes are encouraged,” according to its website. Full-frontal nudity is illegal in the city, and the site warns riders to do so at their own risks.
The ride aims to call attention to oil dependency and promotes body positivity, the website states. Around the world, the ride usually happens on the second Saturday in June, and in Chicago, it is scheduled in the evening.
Bottom line: Less gas, more ... well, you know.
Now onto the best tweets of the night because not everyone knew the ride was happening.
My timing is impeccable. I was walking home from the store just as the naked bike ride rode past my house lmao I love Chicago
— muse (@SimplyYasmeen) June 9, 2019
2nd night in chicago and i got stuck in traffic. not shocking, what is shocking tho is that it wasn’t cars, it was naked people riding on bikes. i love this city
— Sasha Maynard (@SashaMaynard24) June 9, 2019
Just had the pleasure of coming to a crosswalk as a pack of about 300 - 500 naked bikers were coming through.
— Nicole Koeshall (@19nicolerae) June 9, 2019
I love Chicago.
Just saw 1000 naked bike riders go by down Michigan Ave while I was stopped watching a jazz group play Rhapsody in Blue.
— Witches, am i rite? (@JohannaStrouse) June 9, 2019
Chicago. I'm never gonna move.
And someone really should have told this Chicago cop before he started his shift.
From Boystown:
— CWBChicago (@CWBChicago) June 9, 2019
Cop: "There's a bunch of naked people on bikes. Is the zone aware of this?"
Dispatcher: "We got the naked bike ride today."
Cop: "OK. I'm just new here, that's all."#ChicagoScanner #Chicago
True, not everyone was pleased to see the parade, but the riders especially had a great time.
Let’s christen my 10th year in Chicago with the first naked bike ride in the midst of dinner!
— jm (@jessssmurph) June 9, 2019
So I just totally rode my bike buck naked through the streets of Chicago! It was a 99.9% positive and uplifting ride, it promoted diversity, body positivity and reduced oil dependency. I will 100% be there again next year!
— Dr Sparkle (@YoginiGeeky) June 9, 2019
So I attended my first ever Chicago naked bike ride today. A joyful celebration of the human body, and more penises than I ever thought I would see. Pictures in the replies if you dare.
— Kasey Carlson (@kaseyqcarlson) June 9, 2019
And for those of you who have used Divvy bikes today: Remember to bring a towel to wipe down the seat. Just in case.
Thoughts and prayers go out to those of you using Divvy bikes the day after Chicago's Naked Bike Ride.
— Dalekboogie (@dalekboogie) June 9, 2019
