Huge parade of naked cyclists promote 'less gas, more ass' in Vancouver

The World Naked Bike Ride rolled into Vancouver this past weekend, and the procession brought some levity to the city along with an important message.

The annual World Naked Bike Ride protests car culture, the pollution cars cause, and the use of non-renewable energy like oil. Social activist, writer, and filmmaker Conrad Schmidt launched the event in Vancouver in 2002.

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“Thank you for coming,” said the host from clothing-optional rights group Naked Iconoclasts Fighting The Yoke (NIFTY) as more cyclists arrived and began to disrobe, putting t-shirts into backpacks and shorts into saddlebags.

“Everyone is welcome.”

After putting on sunscreen and body paint, the melange of riders soon started riding, chanting messages encouraging onlookers and drivers to join the World Naked Bike Ride.

Daniel Chai/Daily Hive

Most were riding bikes, though a few were on electric scooters or monowheels.”Less gas, more ass,” shouted the group with energy, with some cyclists posing for photos while waiting for the light to turn green at intersections.

“Get out of your cars and get on a bike,” yelled another rider as people looked on incredulously from sightseeing buses and patios.

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Today, the World Naked Bike Ride is known worldwide. Organizers say the event is a positive protest “against car culture, oil spills, and pipelines.”

“It is also a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the human-powered machine,” organizers added on the Facebook page.

The group, made of cyclists of all ages, genders, and sizes, rode through the West End and crossed briefly into the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone.

Daniel Chai/Daily Hive

The massive crowd of soccer fans parted ways for the naked cyclists. Some folks laughed at the sight, while many others held up their phones to record video. There were only a few frowning faces.

After a few more turns through Downtown Vancouver, the World Naked Bike Ride made its way over the Granville Street Bridge before making its way through Granville Island.

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Visitors to the popular tourist destination were treated to a unique summer sight, with many snapping photos or even reaching out a hand for a high five.