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Photos of the World Naked Bike Ride in Toronto 2012
The 8th annual World Naked Bike Ride hit Toronto streets yesterday, much to the chagrin of pedestrians and driver's along the route. The ride, which takes place in cities all over the world, is primarily a protest against oil dependency — though there were also statements made about body image, the joys of cycling and what fun it is being naked in general.
About 150 people of all shapes and sizes took part in the Toronto edition, riding everything from high performance road bikes to BIXI rentals. The manner in which participants flaunted their bodies was equally varied. Along with those who chose to go buck naked — oh those poor bike seats! — some sported elaborate body paint and other flourishes on their joyride through city streets.
The route started in Coronation Park and rambled throughout downtown Toronto taking in spots like Kensington Market, Queens Park, Yorkville, and Yonge Street, with a short stop at City Hall where at least one cyclist took advantage of the fountain to cool off.
It was quite the show! Oh, and if you're offended by the site of naked bodies, it's probably best to cut your losses and navigate away from this page.
PHOTOS
Additional photos by Natta Summerky
If you have photos from the ride, please add them to the blogTO Flickr pool
Discussion
90 Comments
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Kudos to all the secure women & men who took part (fully!)
It's funny how it's always the prude adults who complain on children's behalf. I bet most, if not all children think it's fun or funny and don't care whatsoever.
It's people like you who instil such institutions of thought. Naked is normal and natural.
Oh you having to explain body parts.
Toronto is a fun and vibrant city, people going on a naked bike ride 'aint no big deal.
And, try to find something more important to complain about than... the human body.
jeez...
You're way out of line for saying that. Hope it never happens to you.
Some people really need to lighten up. All critters in the animal kingdom (including those damn humans) have one version of the above or another. Making the body into a shameful thing isn't healthy at all and let's face it, those dingly dangly bits are pretty funny looking! :o)
Would I do it? Not likely, I burn far too easily and the thought of sunburn in those most sensitive of places is cringeworthy at best, but thanks for the great pics!!
Btw, I learned that as long as you wear a "piece of clothing" at an event like this in Canada (like shoes), your covered.
The painted guy did a fantastic job, looks great. And ugh, no BIXI for me.
if you dont like it stay home in the suburbs on the weekend next time -- i'm sure Home Depot needs you.
Sad really.
1- if it is so natural, why is it courageous
2- just because people do not want to appear naked in public does not mean that they are self-conscious or ashamed of their bodies....perhaps they treasure them in their own way
3- why are we comparing violence and nudity....again, I thought nudity was natural...no comparison....showing violence and nudity both require education
4- I stand fairly firmly about not encouraging public nudity with my children....not because of body issues but because of illegal implications and societal norms. There is some value to conformity...like it or not. To the major outcriers here: do you attend work naked....why not?....do you shop naked....why not? We are all conformists to a degree. Criticizing people who are uncomfortable being naked immediately makes you lose your credibility. Be who you are and let others do the same. Using nudity for attention is not natural....wear it naturally if you must....but be true to your word and beliefs.
Public nudity is frowned upon for a reason. Hence why I suggested an alternative, because usually the alternative is don't do it period.
Why is this allowed?
This has nothing to do with loving/hating a body - this is about application of a law.
I have his wipeout on video :)
One more thing too also remember is that we are all born naked and only wear coverings because of social pressure and nasty prudes!
I look forward to partaking in Vancouver this year - my first time too!
I'm not saying the Naked Bike ride is bad, it's cool and has a great message for people to not be so worried about image. I'm just saying that clothing serves a really important purpose and should be worn on a daily basis, especially in a city. The TTC is already dirty enough as it is, do you really want to add to it?
The Naked Bike Ride takes place once a year for a few hours on certain streets. No one is suggesting that everyone should be naked all the time.
I had a blast on the ride. And guess what? I did wear underwear. Because I did have my period. Thanks Kim. Unless someone would like to voluntarily hold a pad there for me while they get their jog on and I bear all, sure. I love how being naked is one issue and then not being naked enough is another issue. Regardless, it isn't about being naked. It's about protesting something you are passionate about. It is not mandatory to show up in the buff. It's innocent fun to gain attention on something some of us value enough to do something about. You don't want your kids to see? Turn them away and struggle for your own "awkward" explanation to excuse such behaviour on your own time. Don't pipe up with some lame remarks and blame others for your inability to properly educate kids on human anatomy and standing up for what one believes. In fact push them into a corner until they become zombie-like enough to conform with the rest of our boring society. And honestly, stop with the legality cries. It has been legal for women to be topless in public in Ontario for nearly two decades now. Besides I think there are more damaging illegal acts of more importance taking place on a daily basis in this day and age.
All I know is I had a great Saturday afternoon! The weather was amazing, being on a bike is always a great feeling, and being in the nude is liberating, especially in good company, and for 2 hours in such an overpopulated city run by mostly cars, cyclists got to own the road. No one was harmed and no one was arrested. In fact we rode by 3 police officers on a street corner who did absolutely nothing. After all who would want to touch, let alone come near 150+ naked sweaty people of all shapes, colour and size, god forbid. Kudos to the parents who brought their kids on the ride.
Oh and "Jay" at least that "hairy sweaty fat man" had the confidence to strip to nothing and actually pedal. It was refreshing to see him out and not care what superficial people like you think. Remember folks, this bike ride happens around the world in 70 cities in 20 different countries annually. Get over it. If you don't like what you see, don't look. No one is twisting your arm. There's worse things your kids will see, read, watch, and do. I guarantee that. You can't control everything so accept that. And we will ride on next year...
Happy Friday everyone!!!
You all know this.
"Oh you having to explain body parts."
TOO TRUE!!!
And to comply with the "clothing laws", I would certainly wear sandals!
"Mommy, why is that man wearing sandals?"
Response? "I guess he likes them!"
LOL
:-)
shaman_oroborous@hotmail.com
I really hope you could send it!!!!!
shaman_oroborous@hotmail.com
I do take umbrage with your characterization of us as all white however. . I don't know what a DNA test would reveal, but I have seven generations of genealogy evidencing myself at least to be all Black.
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