World Naked Bike Ride : Chicago

(This piece was written by Dawn Sunshine Heilung)

REAL TALK about OUR SAFETY and CONSENT…

The WNBR Chicago is a liberating joyful experience, but over the years we have seen a few people get harmed and their consent violated. World Naked Bike Ride is a protest against the dependency on fossil fuels, for environmental justice, and for bicycle safety in a world that says bikers don't belong on all roads. WNBR intentionally uses “nakedness” of bike riders compared to cars to fight for better bike infrastructure and bicycle awareness. Whether it’s some as**at telling a woman she isn’t hot enough to be naked, or people that think it’s cool to touch someone without consent — this all amounts to abuse. As a result and to keep this ride as safe as we can for everyone, especially femme and gender nonconforming people, the following needs to be adhered-

CODE OF CONDUCT:

Respect for All Bodies
The Chicago Naked Bike Ride is dedicated to making cycling, nudity and free expression safe and enjoyable for everyone. WNBR practices consent as a baseline and celebrations of bodies of all kinds.

WNBR’s Sexual and Physical Harassment Policy

WE (organizers, volunteers, and participants) will ensure that all meetings and events pertaining to and organized by the Chicago Naked Bike Ride are safe, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved.

WE (organizers, volunteers, and participants) will ensure that no one, under any circumstance, participates in any form of sexual or physical harassment.

Sexual and physical harassment is: Unwelcome verbal remarks or physical behavior of a sexual nature, especially when concerning a person’s body or sexuality.

Unwelcome Behavior is the critical word. Unwelcome does not mean “involuntary.” A victim may consent or agree to certain conduct and actively participate in it even if some people find it offensive or objectionable. Therefore, conduct or behavior is unwelcome whenever the person subjected to it considers it unwelcome. Whether the person in fact welcomed the act or behavior depends on all the circumstances.

Sexual and physical harassment includes, but is not limited to, the following unwanted behaviors:
- Commenting on another person’s body (Comment: A remark, opinion or description)
- Commenting on another person’s sexuality (Sexuality: Anything relating to the person’s sexual nature as a human being)
- Expressing an opinion about another person’s body
- Expressing an opinion about an aspect of another person’s body
- Expressing an opinion about another person’s sexuality
Expressing an opinion about an aspect of another person’s sexuality
- Unwanted sexual looks or gestures
- Cat calls
- Comments about a person’s anatomy, clothing or looks
- Unwanted sexual or physical jokes, teasing, remarks or questions
- Asking someone about their body or their sexuality
- Touching someone’s clothing, hair or body without their permission
- Staring at someone
- Asking personal questions about social or sexual life
- Looking a person up and down (elevator eyes)
- Following someone
- Repeatedly asking out a person who is not interested
- Asking about sexual fantasies, preferences or history
- Making sexual gestures with hands or other body movement

The WNBR is dedicated to the prevention of sexual and physical harassment at all WNBR meetings and events. The WNBR reserves the right to remove any organizer, volunteer, or participant who violates this policy from the event in which the violation occurs as well as ban the violator from any and all future WNBR events.

WNBR Photograph and Video Policy

WNBR does not recruit, hire, or contract any photographers, videographers, etc.
We welcome photography/filming during the ride, but there are restrictions.
Photographers/Videographers (including any rider with phone/camera phone)
RESPECT everyone.

ASK permission before photographing/videographing anyone, before and after the ride. Yes, even if the are in the crowd or background. Frame photos of just you and or your friends, or use a wall for background to avoid accidentally photographing folks without consent.
CONSENT to one photographer/videographer does not imply consent to all.
WE (organizers, volunteers, and participants) will enforce these restrictions without exception.
WE recognize that this is a N**E and PUBLIC event.
WE will do our own policy enforcement.
WE have the right to say “NO” to anyone taking photos/videos and/or asking permission to do so.
WE will identify any aggressive photographer/videographer and inform others.
WE will assist each other in defusing a troublesome situation.
WE will ask anyone violating these restrictions to stop and desist, and if it continues, to leave the event.
Ultimately, one of the goals of the Chicago Naked Bike Ride is to desexualize nudity and to encourage everyone to embrace nudity as a normal, enjoyable way of life. Following this policy will help further this goal and teach all of us how to be better people in general.

WE (organizers, volunteers, and participants) vow to confront anyone that we see engaging in these types of behaviors.
We create a culture of safety and inclusion by actively intervening when our consent agreements are violated. If you see someone's consent violated in any way, don't wait! Intervene! Let’s work together to make this a radical, naked space.

OUR VOICES ARE POWERFUL — calling out inappropriate behavior immediately is the best way to nip it in the bud. Creeps and bullies can’t handle being called out. When we all raise our voices together, they break down and retreat.

We have volunteers in yellow vests looking out for your safety, but we can’t be everywhere and catch everything. ALL OF US need to be looking out for ourselves, our friends, and our community.

ASK FIRST!!
We are committed to a strict consent policy. Want to touch someone? ASK THEM! Yes, even a hug or high five. "If it's not a HELL YES; then it's a NO!" Asking someone multiple times after they've said no once is also a violation of consent. "NO." is a full and complete sentence

CALL OUT anyone who violates your bodily autonomy or our consent policy.

CALL OUT any harassment or non-consensual touching you see.

BACK UP those calling out creeps. While this is an anti-shame space, shame is a powerful tool against those who harm others. SHAME creeps until they leave. For example, if someone touches someone without their consent ...
Call out the behavior and bring attention to the consent violator.
Protect the person who has had their consent violated.
Pay attention and follow up as needed.
Send someone to notify a safety volunteer or go yourself.

KEEP YOUR CLOTHES
"Bare as you dare" means you don’t have to be naked, but some people will be.
You are expected to have your clothes with you at all times. You might lose track of your friends/affinity group. You might need to pull over or leave the ride and you don't want to be stranded naked in the streets.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
We are still in a pandemic. Masking is encouraged! Get your vaccines updated! Get tested before you come! Don’t come if you sick!

DON’T GAWK This event is about protest not voyeurism!

If you don’t 100% support all of these philosophies and policies, then this definitely isn’t the ride for you.

🌟 THANK YOU, CHICAGO! 🌟

To every single rider, supporter, and curious onlooker — thank you for being part of this powerful movement. 💛 Your presence matters. Your energy inspires. Together, we made the 2025 World Naked Bike Ride a bold, joyful, and unforgettable celebration of body positivity, cyclist safety, and environmental awareness.

🚴🏽‍♀️ Ride safe. Ride free. Ride with pride.
A very special thank you goes out to the incredible volunteers who gave their time, energy, and heart to help organize, support, and guide the ride. From marshaling the route to managing logistics and keeping the vibe strong and safe — you made it happen. 🙌

💬 We’d love to hear from YOU:
What did you love?
What would you change?
How can we make the next ride even better?
And most importantly — would you like to get involved in planning or supporting the next ride? We’re already looking ahead, and your ideas and helping hands are always welcome.

Drop your thoughts, stories, or photos in the comments — or DM us as [email protected] if you’d like to help shape the next WNBR Chicago!

🌈

🚴‍♀️ WNBR CHICAGO 2025 – RIDER CHECKLIST 🚴🏽‍♂️
📅 Ride Day: Saturday, July 12th, 2025
Let’s keep it safe, respectful, and unforgettable!

✅ BEFORE YOU RIDE
☐ Wear a helmet – It’s not optional. Protect your head in case of a fall. Your safety comes first.
☐ Hydrate – Bring a bottle (or two) of water. Sip throughout the ride.
☐ Fuel up – Eat beforehand and pack a light snack, sandwich, or electrolyte drink. There will not be a food truck post-ride.
☐ Pack a cover-up – A sarong, towel, or light wrap can help protect your comfort during stops or slowdowns.
☐ Dress smart – "Bare as you dare" doesn’t mean reckless. Wear good shoes, sun protection, and something minimal to stay legal (Chicago law prohibits full nudity).

🚲 DURING THE RIDE
☐ Stick together – Stay with the group, especially if you're new. Don’t ride alone or near the outer edges.
☐ Look out for others – Check in on fellow riders who may be struggling or need support.
☐ Celebrate the mission – Remember why we ride:
✅ Body Positivity
✅ Cyclist Safety
✅ Environmental Awareness
☐ Be kind and grateful – Thank volunteers, police officers, and ride marshals. They’re the reason this ride can happen!

🏁 AFTER THE RIDE
☐ Lost something? – Double-check your belongings. If you find an item, bring it to the after-party or follow the moderator’s instructions on Facebook.
☐ Keep it classy – Save the partying for after the ride. Celebrate responsibly.

🙌 Thank you for being part of this powerful movement. Your presence matters. Your energy inspires. Ride safe, ride free, ride with pride.

🌟
🌐

World Naked Bike Ride : Chicago - Celebrating the end of oil and the beauty of people. World Naked Bike Ride : Chicago - Celebrating the end of oil and the beauty of people.

🚲 We Need Your Help 💛

The World Naked Bike Ride – Chicago is powered by passion, purpose, and people like YOU. This beautiful, bold event doesn’t happen without the support of our community.
We’re reaching out today with a simple ask:
👉 Please consider donating any amount to help cover the expenses of putting on this ride — permits, safety equipment, sound support, and essential logistics.
Every dollar makes a difference. Whether it’s $5 or $50, your support keeps us rolling, keeps us safe, and keeps our message alive:
💥 Body positivity, environmental awareness, and freedom on two wheels.

Thank you for riding with us, supporting us, and believing in what we do.
Let’s keep the wheels turning — together.
For more info: chicagonakedride.org/about
🌟 🌟

🚲✨ Be part of something wild, free, and unforgettable!
World Naked Bike Ride Chicago is almost here — and we need YOUR help to make it the best ride yet! 🌈 Whether you're a longtime fan or totally new to WNBR, this is your chance to be part of an iconic movement that celebrates body positivity, cycling advocacy, and freedom of expression.
💥 No experience? No problem.
💥 Just good vibes, open hearts, and a willingness to help.
🎉 Sign up to volunteer today:
👉 https://chicagonakedride.org/volunteer
We can’t do it without you — and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.
🌟
🌐 chicagonakedride.org/about

World Naked Bike Ride : Chicago - Celebrating the end of oil and the beauty of people. World Naked Bike Ride : Chicago - Celebrating the end of oil and the beauty of people.

Real Talk: Wear Your Helmet.

Hey fam—quick but important note for this year’s World Naked Bike Ride:

Please wear a helmet.
Last year, one of our riders took a fall and was knocked unconscious. It was scary—and a sobering reminder that even in moments of joy and freedom, safety has to come first.

The ride is fun, wild, and unforgettable—but it’s still on city streets, with potholes, curbs, unexpected turns, and a whole lot of movement. A helmet could be the one thing that keeps a great night from turning into a serious injury.

So no shame, no pressure to be cool—just be smart. Show up with your full self and your head protected.

Let’s ride bold and safe this year.
We want you to finish the night standing, smiling, and proud.

See you on July 12th.
Helmet on. Skin out.

World Naked Bike Ride : Chicago - Celebrating the end of oil and the beauty of people. World Naked Bike Ride : Chicago - Celebrating the end of oil and the beauty of people.

You're Invited: Ride Free, Ride Bold at the World Naked Bike Ride – Chicago
Hey Beautiful Human,
Chicago’s streets are calling—and we want you to ride with us.
On Saturday, July 12th, the city becomes our canvas. We strip down not just our clothes, but our fears, our shame, and anything holding us back. Whether you bare it all or just a little, this ride is about freedom, body positivity, safety in numbers, and radical self-expression.
Why Do It?
• Make a Statement: We ride against oil dependency, pollution, and car culture—and for cyclists’ rights and body acceptance.
• Feel the Energy: Chicago is electric in the summer—its skyline, its lakefront breeze, its people. There’s no city more alive to ride through naked and proud.
• Celebrate You: All bodies are beautiful. Come as you are. Express what you stand for. Leave the insecurities behind.
• Join a Movement: Be part of something that’s fun, rebellious, and unforgettable. You’ll never look at a bike—or your body—the same way again.
Pre-Ride Green Room:
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
This is your time to meet up, get painted, pose with your crew, and decide just how naked you want to be.
📍Location is private until closer to the date—no paparazzi, no pressure. Just us.
Want to Volunteer or Get Involved?
We need body painters, marshals, hype crew, and passionate souls. Message us if you want to do more than ride.
________________________________________
Come for the cause. Stay for the rush. Leave your clothes and your worries behind.
We can’t wait to ride with you.
— WNBR Chicago Team
[Visit chicagonakedride.org/about for details]

World Naked Bike Ride : Chicago - Celebrating the end of oil and the beauty of people. World Naked Bike Ride : Chicago - Celebrating the end of oil and the beauty of people.