WNBR FAQs:
Below are our most frequently asked questions. If you have other questions that are not answered here, click the button to contact us directly.
Who are We?
The World Naked Bike Ride is a protest against oil dependence, anti bike infrastructure, sexualization of bodies, and body disempowerment.
How many participate?
We grow every year. We have rallied over 200 riders I’m Milwaukee in past years, and other cities rally up to 1,000.
Do I have to be naked?
Of course not! You can wear whatever you want! A lot of people go with body paint and some undergarments. Wear whatever you’re comfortable in. This is about personal freedom and empowerment — embody whatever that means to you.
Is there an age requirement?
Anyone is welcome to join, but minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
How long is the ride?
It’s 12-15 miles long. At our slow pace, it takes us about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete. It’s leisurely. The route will be posted a month before the ride. People do fall out, but we have ambassadors to offer support. We do not have the resources to return you and your bike to the start. If you must fall out, someone will sit with you while you wait for your ride to come, but you must provide that ride.
What if I get a flat tire?
Please come prepared. Other cyclists may be able to help, but our organization does not possess the resources for that type of support.
Isn’t being naked in public illegal?
Nudity as a form of protest is legally protected. Lewd behavior is not. Don’t be lewd, obscene, or engage in any sexual activity – that is an arrestable offense and we will have security on site helping the police enforce this law. If you’re in our group and acting in good faith, you’re good to go!
Where do I park my car?
Watch the main page of this website for all of the up-to-date instructions as they are posted.
Do I have to be on a bike?
No! If you want to watch the event from the sidelines, or just attend the festivities, you’re welcome to. We also welcome people to join us on the bike ride as a runner, skateboarder or roller skater. (Please no gas power scooters)
Does it cost anything?
The event is free, but there are donation stations available to encourage our outreach.
Venmo: @WorldNakedBikeRideMilwaukee
Do I have to register?
No, just show up!
Will people be taking pictures?
Yes. You can expect the other riders, the public and the media to take photos during the ride through public streets and at the venue before or after. You can expect anyone taking video or pictures to post them publicly. We do our best to set an expectation of consent when it comes to photography, but we don’t have the resources to police every interaction. If you do not want your picture posted publicly, we suggest you not attend this event.
What if I fall behind or get lost?
You probably won’t. This isn’t a race and we do our best to keep the group together. We may stretch into smaller groups, but even if you end up in a group of 20 instead of a group of 100, you’ll feel safe. If you find yourself alone, stick to the route and obey traffic laws. Our ambassadors will do our best to ensure no one becomes isolated.
What if the weather is bad?
This is a rain or shine event.
I want to join but have no one to go with!?
Everyone here is super nice, friendly and approachable. If you’re still nervous, contact us through email or Facebook, and we’ll match you up with a buddy.
Participant Etiquette:
Don’t gawk or ogle. Everyone is naked, yes, but this is real life. It makes people feel uncomfortable when you stare at their body.
Don’t touch anyone without enthusiastic consent. This should really go without saying, but keep your body to yourself. Even if you know the person, ask first and listen to the answer you are given.
Don’t comment on people’s bodies. You might want to tell someone they are beautiful, but don’t. Don’t comment on anyone’s body, even if you think you are issuing a compliment. When you tell a naked person they are beautiful, even if you somehow think you aren’t being sexual, you are.
Behave yourself. If you do anything lewd or sexual, you are breaking the law and threatening the future of the event.
Don’t yell at cars.
Don’t stop in the middle of the ride or swerve. You may be surrounded by hundreds of people, so make sure to be aware of your surroundings.
Don’t go into oncoming traffic. There are a lot of us and we are not accident proof, so BE SAFE ALWAYS!
Bring a working bike. We recommend that you test your bike out thoroughly before riding to the start location. We do realize that things happen, and we will have a small repair facility on site. Bring an extra tube in case you get a flat. You don’t need a fancy bike. Any bike will work. If you have multiple bikes, bring an extra one to loan to a fellow rider. We recommend a fat tire, mountain bike, or cruiser style over a super skinny tire road bike.
Please arrive at the location clothed and bring clothes along on your ride. Bring a backpack to carry your clothes. Bring acrylic paint to paint your body. Bring water but NO alcohol or illegal drugs. Riding your bike under the influence is illegal. Wear a helmet and shoes and make sure your bike has red back reflectors and a white front light. It’s also illegal to ride your bike at night without reflectors and lights.
Do not ride impaired! The police can arrest you for that.
Ride With Caution: Ride at your own risk and watch where you are going. Many riders aren’t used to riding in a large group. Onlookers occasionally jump into the street. There are various hazards such as railroad tracks. Some novice cyclists find this to be a challenging ride. Be careful and be mindful of your fellow riders.
Nudity: This bike ride IS NOT sexual. If you’re expecting an orgy, you’re going to be disappointed! We use nudity to promote body positivity and body acceptance, and cycling promotes oil-free transportation. We hope motorists will realize biking is more fuel efficient and cyclists have more fun.
Photography: Taking photos of yourself and your friends are okay.