The clothing-optional ride aims to celebrate “freedom from oil and the beauty of people.”
After taking a year off in 2020, Chicago’s eighteenth edition of the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) is returning this summer. The international clothing-optional event has taken place on the second Saturday in June since its inception but like many of the festivities and annual events set to return this year, it will be pushed back to August.
Many large-scale events are eyeing up a return at the end of summer, including a number of festivals and Chicago’s Annual LGBTQ+ Pride Parade when organizers hope the majority of Chicago will be fully vaccinated.
We've updated the 2021 planned ride date to Saturday August 14th based on predictions of widespread vaccinations and lowered plague spread by July. Fingers crossed. https://t.co/ZZDBzcDGLP #WNBRC
— Chicago Naked Ride (@ChiNakedRide) April 8, 2021
The World Naked Bike Ride aims to bring attention to “freedom from oil” by championing cycling as an environmentally friendly means of transport while also celebrating the beauty of people. It is not primarily a naturist party but is rather a free speech exercise “trying to save the planet.”
The World Naked Bike Ride: Chicago website reads that the event is “bare-as-you-dare; anything from body paint to underwear to fanciful costumes are encouraged.”
However, as full-frontal nudity is illegal in Chicago, organizers remind interested riders that participating in this way is at their own risk.
Previous versions of Chicago’s World Naked Bike Ride have seen hundreds, sometimes thousands, of riders participate including both cyclists and skaters.
Now taking place on the evening of Saturday, August 14th, a location will be disclosed a few days before the event. Typically the gathering has begun around 6 pm and the ride itself takes place from roughly 8 pm until midnight.
Hundreds strip down for Chicago's World Naked Bike Ride https://t.co/SVSL2NhfXJ pic.twitter.com/v0erppbSOC
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) June 11, 2018
More information, FAQs, and a list of “basics” to consider before attending can be found on the World Naked Bike Ride: Chicago website.
See more: 10 Essential Chicago Bucket List Experiences For 2021
[Featured image from Shutterstock]