Biking in your birthday suit this weekend in Philadelphia
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Photo courtesy of the Philly Naked Bike Ride
It's that time of year: Cyclists will bare it all on Philadelphia streets this weekend for the annual Naked Bike Ride.
Why it matters: Biking in the buff — or witnessing the stripped-down cyclists — is a Philly rite of passage, and the popular event has grown into the largest on the East Coast in the World Naked Bike Ride movement.
What they're saying: The ride "represents the quirkiness of the city and our less serious side," organizer Lauren Mulhall tells Axios.
🚲 Driving the news: The Philly Naked Bike Ride rolls off at 5pm Saturday, and the dress code is "as bare as you dare." The event's been running since 2009 and over 2,000 people showed up last year.
- The roughly 12-mile route, mostly within Center City, remains top secret until 5pm tonight, when it'll be shared on the organizer's social media.
- A pre-ride event and body painting will start at 2pm.
🌎 The big picture: The event aims to promote cycling as a greener alternative to gas-dependent modes of transportation while spreading a message of body positivity.
- This year's ride also comes as activists are renewing calls to protect cyclists on city roads.
Context: Biking activists have been pushing for improvements, like concrete barriers, following the recent death of Barbara Friedes. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia doctor was biking in a designated lane in Rittenhouse Square when she was hit by a car last month.
- The driver involved in the crash is facing driving under the influence of alcohol, homicide by vehicle and other charges.
- An investigation into the deadly crash is ongoing.
Zoom in: For Saturday's ride, nakedness is not required, but there's a code of conduct for participants to make sure it's safe and enjoyable for everyone.
- Many cyclists paint their bodies, wear fun costumes and decorate their bikes.
⚖️ The intrigue: While Philly doesn't have a law for nudity at public gatherings, the state strictly defines it and lewd acts.
- Yes, but: The law doesn't apply to the naked ride because it's considered a protest.
☝️ Pro tips: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the weather is slated to be in the 80s and sunny.
- Bring a bag or backpack to store clothes so you have something to don after you cross the finish line.