The Martlet

There will be bobbing breasts and penis pendulums galore at Victoria’s World Naked Bike Ride on June 12.

This will be the seventh year Victoria has participated in the World Naked Bike Ride. Last year approximately 200 people joined in baring their bodies to raise awareness of the vulnerability of cyclists and the planet earth.

Victoria’s bike lanes have been critiqued as being some of the narrowest in North America, which makes riding safely difficult.

Cordelia Horsburgh, one of the Naked Bike Ride organizers, says there is a need for safer facilities for cyclists. She’d like to see all new road and development projects consider cyclists, “in planning from the onset and given the same degree of respect and attention that parking lots receive, at least.”

There is a feeling among many cyclists and other users of alternative transportation that cars, not bicycles, rollerbladers or skateboarders, should be restricted in the downtown core.

“Most cities in Europe and elsewhere have car free areas downtown that are bustling with vibrancy and community. Government Street from the Harbour to Yates would be perfect for such a venture,” said Horsburgh.

After investigating cyclist deaths, the 2003 City of Toronto Bicycle/Motor-Vehicle Collision Study determined that “while cyclists are much less likely to harm other road users, they are much more vulnerable to injury than are the occupants of motor vehicles. Hence, treating cyclists simply as operators of ‘ordinary’ vehicles is not equitable, and is unlikely to promote an environment conducive to increasing bicycle-use.”

Victoria has not been immune to cyclist fatalities. In December 2006, Barbra Sheldan, a cyclist and mother of five was killed when she was struck and then crushed under a vehicle. Sheldan had been obeying the rules of the road at the time of the collision, including wearing a helmet.

First-time World Naked Bike Ride participant David Griffin Brown says the nudity of the event is an apt symbol for the vulnerability bikers experience on the road.

“When you are riding in traffic, you are practically naked,” he said.  

Brown says the event is meant to raise awareness of safety issues and green transportation, but also to get people together for some fun.

“[It’s] about being a bit crazy and having fun,” he said.

For the shy supporter of cyclist rights, this ride’s motto is “Bare As You Dare” – nobody is required to ride nude, or even to ride a bike, as all modes of human-powered transportation are welcome.

Victoria’s World Naked Bike Ride will meet at the B.C. Legislature at 2:30 p.m. on June 12.

Visit worldnakedbikeride.org or email victorianaked@gmail.com for more information.