Naked people on bikes will be one of the sights in the French Quarter this weekend.
Yes, nude and partially nude cyclists will take to the streets for the 13th annual Naked Bike Ride in New Orleans. The Naked Bike Ride is a global phenomenon and first came to New Orleans in 2009 with about 50 participants.
The Naked Bike Ride has grown to over 500 rides in various stages of nudity. And with the prevailing attitude of openness as we continue to emerge from COVID pandemic lockdown, expectations are high that this could be an epic year.
The Naked Bike Ride always sparks controversy from those who argue that this event should not be allowed to happen. Many question why NOPD does not stop the event and arrest the participants. There are those who are concerned about the children and what happens if they see hundreds of naked people riding bikes.
To the participants and many others who are not possessed by some unrealistic adherence to the strict interpretation of the Bilbe, the Naked Bike Ride is an expression of free frivolity and is not designed to inspire a sense of sexual erotica. And if you have seen the Naked Bike Ride, you know this to be true.
A few years ago I was in the French Quarter, walking down a street when hundreds of naked cyclists randomly rode by. I had the presence of mind to take video of the event with commentary and posted it on social media. I was shocked at the number of negative comments - some were so condemning that one would think that a naked bike ride is one of the signs of the end of the world in the book of Revelation. I saw this as just a fun event where people are free to step out of the ordinary to do something unconventional.
The Naked Bike Ride is not an event ushering in an end-of-the-world prophecy. There will be some - male and female - and everything in between - who are totally nude, and you will see everything. The slogan of the event is “as bare as you dare.” But many of the naked riders use some clothing or body paint to make the vital parts less obvious and many add costume flare to their nudity. The Naked Bike Ride is anything but sensual - not to mention that ALL body types are naked on bikes.
It is sad that many people are so uptight and rigid in their view of morality that they can’t even enjoy the fun of a bunch of naked people on bikes. We should applaud those who are comfortable enough with the imperfect bodies God gave them to be naked.
And for those who say that being naked in public is illegal - I remind you that there are times when laws are dismissed in the name of fun. Mardi Gras parades do not stop at red lights. The parades run every red light on the parade route. The argument that we must always strictly obey all laws is flawed.
It is also important to note that the Naked Bike Ride on Saturday, June 12 in New Orleans does not come to you - you have to go out of your way to see it.
And for those who are concerned about the impact seeing naked people on bikes might have on kids - most kids would instinctively look at a bunch of naked bike riders and think it’s funny. It’s only when the adults add sexuality to nudity that kids get the wrong impression of a naked body in the context of a non-erotic setting.
The temperature Saturday afternoon will be in the 90s and very humid. There will be a lot of sweating and there is nothing overly erotic about sweaty bodies riding bikes. An episode of “Seinfeld” dealt with “good naked and bad naked.” The Naked Bike Ride would not be considered “good naked” in that context of sexuality.
For those who want to make sure they DO NOT see the Naked Bike Ride - here are the time and the route of the ride.
At 4:00pm - people start gathering at Markey Park 700 Piety St. in the Bywater. The naked bikers start rolling at 5:00 pm.
The ride goes up Royal St and then left on Franklin Ave.
Right on Decatur.
Right on St. Louis St.
Right on Burgundy.
Right on St. Ann.
Ending at the starting point of Markey Park in the Bywater. (where riders will return to their clothing.)
The Naked Bike Ride is a reminder that everything in life does not have to be serious, and it is beneficial for society to break the rules and sometimes color outside of the lines.
