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Original poster

Sick of the Naked Bike Ride

255 replies

HardyEM · 19/05/2024 12:10

Hello I'm posting about the York- World Naked Bike Ride ob 29th June 2023 @ 4.15pm. This year I've decided enough is enough and as a York mum I'm going to go along and tell them so (North Yorkshire police have also been informed).

Having your cock and balls (overwhelming majority of naked participants are men) out in public isn't OK on any other day of the week - even if they are virtuous, net zero, climate saving ones.

No one really believes it's OK for adults to parade around naked in front of families and children in public without their consent and why should we have to stay at home? So this year I'll be there to collect evidence and respectfully handing out some pants.

'The Emperor's New Clothes'

OP posts:
sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 16:36

Protest? Lol. It might get people talking but from this thread it’s shown that many people wouldn’t support the vague causes they claim to be protesting about because of the unnecessary nudity and because of the dodgy elements these things always attract.

🤷‍♀️

I have no idea what they're trying to achieve tbh.

Monochord · 20/05/2024 16:39

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 16:33

can’t see any rationale for it to be ok for people to be naked here,,if it’s not ok for them to be naked in other contexts where those seeing them naked have also not consented to that.

You can't see the difference between this NBR and those other examples you gave?

If it’s ok for those people to be naked in public, why not in the other contexts? Plenty here arguing there is nothing sexual about a naked adult body, so why shouldn’t adults be naked in other contexts?

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 16:40

n! I didn't see anyone being shocked and appalled, and the police were there and fine with it.

Were there any people protesting against your NBR happening? @givemushypeasachance

In the manner of the OP?

Monochord · 20/05/2024 16:44

givemushypeasachance · 20/05/2024 16:35

I quite enjoy being naked in my own space, I haven't attended a naturist site yet but I probably will one day to see what that's like. I don't see anything inherently sexual about being naked, it's just bodies we've all got them. But it does get attention to the cause you're trying to raise awareness of - no one would write a news story of "1000 cyclists cycle through London", but "1000 naked cyclists cycle through London", they do. The vast majority of people we cycled past smiled, laughed, took photos while giggling, waved from buses or cafes.

How often in life do you have the opportunity to cover yourself in bodypaint and cycle naked past the houses of parliament with a big group of other people doing the same, playing music and blowing bubbles and waving at the laughing passers by who were probably filming a tiktok to send to their friends saying look at what I saw crazy people doing today - it was fun! I didn't see anyone being shocked and appalled, and the police were there and fine with it.

Show quote history

And yet, nine pages in, no one has actually mentioned the cause these events are allegedly promoting. No one is talking about that. So they haven’t really worked have they? That’s the problem with ‘protests’ conceptually disconnected from the cause they want to promote.

And as your post shows, these events are not about the cause but the entertainment value for those engaged in them.
I suspect the cause is a thin veneer tagged on.

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 16:44

If it’s ok for those people to be naked in public, why not in the other contexts? Plenty here arguing there is nothing sexual about a naked adult body, so why shouldn’t adults be naked in other contexts?

Do you think not caring about a scheduled NBR is the same as thinking it's fine for adults to be naked in all those other contexts you mentioned.

Cos I don't.

I think I can have those two opinions at the same time.

Monochord · 20/05/2024 16:46

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 16:44

If it’s ok for those people to be naked in public, why not in the other contexts? Plenty here arguing there is nothing sexual about a naked adult body, so why shouldn’t adults be naked in other contexts?

Do you think not caring about a scheduled NBR is the same as thinking it's fine for adults to be naked in all those other contexts you mentioned.

Cos I don't.

I think I can have those two opinions at the same time.

So why is it not ok in the other contexts? You are just asserting you have this opinion but so far not explaining it.

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 17:00

So why is it not ok in the other contexts? You are just asserting you have this opinion but so far not explaining it.

For Probably the same reasons as you tbh.

But I'm not going to explain anything because I don't think allowing a NBR, justifies everyone going naked, everywhere, all the time. One doesn't equal the other.

Even If I don't mind my kids having a packet of crisps once in a while doesn't mean that they should therefore be having them all the time, everywhere, whenever they want.

I also have almost no idea what the nakeds are protesting about. But I broadly agree with being able to protest.

I don't care if they do it naked or not. I found that aspect a non event.

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 17:03

As a "protest" I think it a bit rubbish.

And tbh I think OP will only be giving this more oxygen than it deserves.

Choochoo21 · 20/05/2024 17:11

givemushypeasachance · 20/05/2024 16:35

I quite enjoy being naked in my own space, I haven't attended a naturist site yet but I probably will one day to see what that's like. I don't see anything inherently sexual about being naked, it's just bodies we've all got them. But it does get attention to the cause you're trying to raise awareness of - no one would write a news story of "1000 cyclists cycle through London", but "1000 naked cyclists cycle through London", they do. The vast majority of people we cycled past smiled, laughed, took photos while giggling, waved from buses or cafes.

How often in life do you have the opportunity to cover yourself in bodypaint and cycle naked past the houses of parliament with a big group of other people doing the same, playing music and blowing bubbles and waving at the laughing passers by who were probably filming a tiktok to send to their friends saying look at what I saw crazy people doing today - it was fun! I didn't see anyone being shocked and appalled, and the police were there and fine with it.

Show quote history

But it does get attention to the cause you're trying to raise awareness of - no one would write a news story of "1000 cyclists cycle through London", but "1000 naked cyclists cycle through London", they do.

Of course 1000 cyclists would get attention.

The Tour de France is one of the most famous events in the world.

The London Marathon is shown on TV across the world and has 1000s of people coming to watch.

You can do lots of things for a cause to get attention for it.
You admit that it’s the attention that you get which is what you like.

It makes me quite sad that someone’s need for attention can only be achieved by taking their clothes off.

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 17:12

It makes me quite sad that someone’s need for attention can only be achieved by taking their clothes off.

oh please.

givemushypeasachance · 20/05/2024 17:15

Choochoo21 · 20/05/2024 17:11

But it does get attention to the cause you're trying to raise awareness of - no one would write a news story of "1000 cyclists cycle through London", but "1000 naked cyclists cycle through London", they do.

Of course 1000 cyclists would get attention.

The Tour de France is one of the most famous events in the world.

The London Marathon is shown on TV across the world and has 1000s of people coming to watch.

You can do lots of things for a cause to get attention for it.
You admit that it’s the attention that you get which is what you like.

It makes me quite sad that someone’s need for attention can only be achieved by taking their clothes off.

Show quote history

How often do you see news articles about critical mass cycle rides.

Choochoo21 · 20/05/2024 17:24

givemushypeasachance · 20/05/2024 17:15

How often do you see news articles about critical mass cycle rides.

Show quote history

Every single time there are a 1000 cyclists there are news articles about it.

You know there is.
Why are you being deliberately obtuse?

givemushypeasachance · 20/05/2024 17:39

Choochoo21 · 20/05/2024 17:24

Every single time there are a 1000 cyclists there are news articles about it.

You know there is.
Why are you being deliberately obtuse?

Show quote history

If you check google news search for London critical mass I think you'll find there are very rarely news articles about it. There were some recently as it was the 30th anniversary. Search for Bristol critical mass - you get one recent article about the kids version, nothing for the general one. A few dozen naked people on bikes always gets a news article.

But look you don't like it, you don't have to take part, that's fine. I'm sure you'll say the participants are "forcing" you to by "flaunting" their nakedness. You can actually look away that's fine as well. It's 5-10 minutes max once a year, some people cycling past you. Not a stupid-sexy-Flanders style dancing around waving genitals in your face.

SirChenjins · 20/05/2024 17:56

If it’s only 5-10 minutes once a year then as a protest it’s rubbish.

Otoh, it gives the skanky flashers an opportunity to do it legally on occasion.

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 18:16

Just googled it.

Omg a much cooler, younger, more mixed crowd in London by the looks of it. Lots of women.

When I googled locally, it was older, more male and much more of a " protect cyclists from cars" vibe. More protest orientated.
I also saw my neighbour in one of the FB pics. 🤦‍♀️ But shorts on.

Choochoo21 · 20/05/2024 18:22

givemushypeasachance · 20/05/2024 17:39

If you check google news search for London critical mass I think you'll find there are very rarely news articles about it. There were some recently as it was the 30th anniversary. Search for Bristol critical mass - you get one recent article about the kids version, nothing for the general one. A few dozen naked people on bikes always gets a news article.

But look you don't like it, you don't have to take part, that's fine. I'm sure you'll say the participants are "forcing" you to by "flaunting" their nakedness. You can actually look away that's fine as well. It's 5-10 minutes max once a year, some people cycling past you. Not a stupid-sexy-Flanders style dancing around waving genitals in your face.

Show quote history

If people want to do it then that’s fine but let’s not pretend they’re doing it for a ‘cause’ because it’s not.

It’s people who are desperate for attention and the only way they can get that attention is by taking their clothes off.

Its why people do things like OF or post nudes on SM.
They need attention but have no actual talents.

I could get on board with it more if people were just honest about why they’re doing it, instead of pretending it’s for a ‘cause’.

TalbotAMan · 20/05/2024 18:47

Monochord · 20/05/2024 07:33

Here is why I dislike this.

In our culture, and most culture, there is a strong taboo against public nakedness. The explicit intention of these riders is to transgress OTHER PEOPL’S taboos. The entire point of the ride is the audience who is forced to witness it.
( don’t give me nonsense about how you can avoid it., most of us don’t daily check what events are on before we go into town).

If this ride were just about the riders’ enjoyment, of riding naked, they could each bung in a tenner and hire a country park for their exclusive use for the day and ride around that.

But that wouldn’t hit the mark for them. Their intention is to make a political point that OTHER PEOPLE are required to be ok with their nakedness, and this is their day to force their nakedness on other people.

And that’s not ok. The fact that individuals on this thread is ok with it is hardly the point. You lot can go and hang out at naturists beaches if you want. The point is that many people have a taboo against it, it’s a mainstream taboo in our culture, and others shouldn’t force a transgress of that taboo on other people.

I don’t agree with men or women being naked in public, but there is a different dynamic with men. Most women have experience of men forcing women to give them attention, or forcing themselves on women, forcing their bodies on women, and these naked riders do trigger all those memories and feelings in me, and I am sure plenty of other women.

Assuming for the sake of argument that you are right, and the purpose is to challenge a taboo, are you saying that taboos cannot and should not be challenged?

Or do you think that we should cast unmarried pregnant women out into the darkness like the Victorians did?

Monochord · 20/05/2024 18:52

TalbotAMan · 20/05/2024 18:47

Assuming for the sake of argument that you are right, and the purpose is to challenge a taboo, are you saying that taboos cannot and should not be challenged?

Or do you think that we should cast unmarried pregnant women out into the darkness like the Victorians did?

Show quote history

That’s a fantastically stupid interpretation of what I said.

If you can come up with a workable parallel, we can have a conversation.

TalbotAMan · 20/05/2024 18:57

tellmewhenthespaceshiplandscoz · 20/05/2024 13:52

Women who are survivors of sexual violence may likely find it triggering to see a naked dude on a bike.

What if a flasher was to explain to police "No intimidation intended officer I just like to naked when I'm at the park". Penis may not be erect so hey, how can you prove otherwise.

It's either ok to be naked in public full stop or it isn't

Well, in England and Wales it is legal to be naked in public.

That's the law. If you don't like it, then you have the same rights as everyone else to lobby the Government and Parliament to have it changed.

TalbotAMan · 20/05/2024 19:03

Monochord · 20/05/2024 18:52

That’s a fantastically stupid interpretation of what I said.

If you can come up with a workable parallel, we can have a conversation.

Show quote history

Rude much! It's a (semi-)reductio ad absurdum

So what you are saying is that taboos you approve of should remain in place but those you disapprove of should be changed?

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 19:03

But that wouldn’t hit the mark for them. Their intention is to make a political point that OTHER PEOPLE are required to be ok with their nakedness, and this is their day to force their nakedness on other people.

Well of course. It gets attention for their 'protest'.

I'd dispute that we're meant to be OK with it. The whole point is that some people are going to be stirred up by it - it's for the attention.

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 19:14

And that’s not ok. The fact that individuals on this thread is ok with it is hardly the point. You lot can go and hang out at naturists beaches if you want.

But the fact that you're not OK with it is that the point?

I don't care if the bike ride is naked. Doesn't mean I want to hang out at a naturist beach or endeavour to come across naked bods. Just doesn't bother me that it happened. What a " fantastically stupid interpretation " to quote you.

@Monochord

SirChenjins · 20/05/2024 19:22

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 19:03

But that wouldn’t hit the mark for them. Their intention is to make a political point that OTHER PEOPLE are required to be ok with their nakedness, and this is their day to force their nakedness on other people.

Well of course. It gets attention for their 'protest'.

I'd dispute that we're meant to be OK with it. The whole point is that some people are going to be stirred up by it - it's for the attention.

Absolutely right - attention seekers whose bare sweaty arses have no discernible impact on these global issues. Hope they wash the saddles with environmentally safe cleaning products and washable clothes.

Longma · 20/05/2024 19:26

The event organisers and North Yorks Police have both been prior informed that naked genitals (irrespective of claiming to be virtuous climate fighting ones) will cause me preventable harm and distress - we will see how strong my case is when all the evidence is in.

But surely your harm and distress is entirely preventable in this case.
You've 'told' them you are aware of the event.
Therefore it is easy for you to take action to ensure you don't have to face, and deal with, the potential harm and distress.
On this occasion your harm and stress is preventable - you know where it is taking place, so you can take preventable action.

sunglassesonthetable · 20/05/2024 19:30

Absolutely right - attention seekers whose bare sweaty arses have no discernible impact on these global issues. Hope they wash the saddles with environmentally safe cleaning products and washable clothes.

I've never argued they were effective in their cause. Didn't know what it was until I googled earlier. My point was I can't get aerated about them being naked.

All protesters are seeking attention. And tbf lots of protests have no discernible impact. People still make them.