As cyclists arrived at the launch site, clothes were discarded by some while others waited until more had arrived. Not everyone stripped down to the bare bones, some wore panties and bras. Others decided to protect their identity with face and body paint.
Nudity is not a requirement to participate in the event. The dress code is "bare as you dare." There are some parts of the routes in past years that cyclists were asked to cover their dangly parts by different divisions of the Toronto Police. While the police have in the past ridden with the informal group they were not at the park when the group took off for downtown Toronto this morning.
Those at the launching site were a cross mix of Toronto and beyond.
The World Naked Bike Ride took off from Toronto's Coronation Park Saturday to protest the use of petrol and to raise awareness of bike safety.
One man ventured for the third time from Ohio, where this type of event is not possible. He said that he was only in Toronto for the ride and was heading back home tomorrow.
Roaming Bares, an organization that sets up naturist events in the GTA, was at the launch site today to hand out free water bottles and provide support.
"Politicians do listen over time," a representative said.
The
event has no one in charge. This is mostly so that if there were to be an arrest no one can be arrested as the organizer. While nudity without a lawful excuse in public places is against the law the Crown has acknowledged that participating in an orderly event naked is not illegal, so long as you are wearing something, such as shoes.
The group was very friendly as they gathered one another. Some did want to conceal their identities because of their jobs. One lady said that there are a lot of cops and teachers who are nudists because they have come to understand that you can't judge a book by their covers.
John Glenny said that the police know about the event.
"Usually the police are here an hour before the event. They are very helpful for left turns."
The ride will end at the Java Hut in Kensington Market.
"Most people whoop and holler. It's a great time and a lot of fun. With what's going on the Gulf today this is needed."
Each of the bikes today had a sign signaling that they were part of the event.
The World Naked Bike Ride took off from Toronto's Coronation Park Saturday to protest the use of petrol and to raise awareness of bike safety.
The World Naked Bike Ride took off from Toronto's Coronation Park Saturday to protest the use of petrol and to raise awareness of bike safety.
The World Naked Bike Ride took off from Toronto's Coronation Park Saturday to protest the use of petrol and to raise awareness of bike safety.
