The World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) is one of the world’s best-known naturist events, in which cyclists ride naked to draw attention to social issues, principally the world’s dependence on oil. It has been held for the past 20 years in various parts of the world.

An international event for naturists

The very first World Naked Bike Ride took place in Vancouver, Canada, in June 2004. Prior to this date, only Canada and Spain were home to associations organizing similar events to protest against oil dependency. The first edition was a collaboration between Artists for Peace in Canada and Manifestación Ciclonudista in Spain.
Since 2004, the World Naked Bike Ride has spread to many other countries, and almost 148 cities can boast of having hosted at least one stage of the event. Countries where the event has been held include the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand and others.


Occasionally, however, the nature of the event means that some cities refuse to welcome cyclists, or cancel their passage. Fortunately, such occurrences are generally quite rare.

A way to promote social messages

When it was created, the World Naked Bike Ride was intended to raise awareness among participants and the general public of the overdevelopment of urban traffic and the dependence of many countries on oil sources. Today, the message hasn’t changed, but it’s been fleshed out.


The event is no longer just about oil resources, but about environmental issues in general. The WNBR aims to draw attention to other issues such as air pollution and the need for more sustainable modes of transport, such as cycling. Thanks to the event, participants can highlight the importance of cycling infrastructure in cities.

In some cases, WNBR participants use the event to highlight political issues that are sometimes sidelined, but always related to the environment. But protests are always peaceful, because WNBR is a community of like-minded individuals who share similar beliefs about the environment, sustainability and other social issues. The aim is to foster camaraderie and solidarity among participants.

Why take part in the World Naked Bike Ride?

First and foremost, anyone can sign up for the World Naked Bike Ride. So you can take part, even if you’re not a naturist or just want to experience something off the beaten track.
The main motivation for participants is obviously to raise awareness of environmental issues and the world’s dependence on fossil fuels, but these are not the only reasons.

  • Promoting the use of bicycles: protesting against fossil fuels means proposing a viable alternative means of transport. The WNBR seeks to encourage the use of bicycles as an ecological, healthy and economical means of transport. The race draws attention to the importance of cycling infrastructure and the safety of cyclists on the roads;
  • Feeling at ease with your body: WNBR embraces the values of naturism, enabling participants to discover the diversity of human bodies and feel a little better about their own. For some people, it’s a way to feel less self-conscious and more self-accepting, while at the same time acting for a good cause;
  • Enjoy the community spirit: for many, WNBR is a social and community experience. It can provide a sense of belonging to a community that shares similar ideas about the environment, sustainable mobility and other social issues.