 "Photo: Carlos Restrepo")
 "Photo: Carlos Restrepo")
With the BP oil crisis nearing its third month, WNBR (World Naked Bike Ride) organization made their presence known. On June 19, 2010 approximately 600 environmentalists, extremists, naturalists, and bike enthusiasts joined for the third annual world naked bike ride through St. Louis, MO.
Organized by Stephanie Co and Mariah Pittman, the event was set to promote cyclist awareness, comfortable body image, protest oil dependency, and bring together the cycling community.
“We want people in cars to think a little bit more about how they treat cyclists and what oil dependency is doing to our environment,” said Co.
According to an article by WNBR many naturists are attracted to the latter goal, being comfortable body image. Environmentalists are usually drawn to the ecological stance of WNBR, and have participated in the rides understanding social nudity to be a fun and life-affirming means to an end.
“For the most part we get positive responses but there are those few that react negative or immaturely”, said Co.
The first WNBR took place in Spain June of 2004, through collaborations with activist groups Artists for Peace/Artists against War (AFP/AAW), and individuals around the world in the fight for peace throughout the world. The WNBR saw events in 28 cities, in 10 countries on four continents that year.
“Chicago, Vancouver, and London typically have the bigger turn outs but St. Louis is growing,” said Co.
St. Louis was first introduced to WNBR August 2, 2008 with 300 participants and continues to grow. By 2010 the number of participants almost doubled and the spectators were in the thousands.
Co said, “The police were incredibly cooperative, helping out at busy intersections and larger streets.”
The cyclists left at 9p.m. from the Commerce Bank parking lot at Grand Blvd and Juniata Ave for the start of their 12 mile protest. According to WNBR website organizers, “We face automobile traffic with our naked bodies as the best way of defending our dignity and exposing the unique dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians.”
Steven Vollenweider, architectural technology major and transfer student from STLCC-Meramec, said he was extremely happy to see so many people putting themselves out there in support of their message.
“It’s just a great community and to see so many people involved was a nice site.”
According to Co there are several negative consequences people face due to dependence on oil, and other forms of non-renewable energy. “The WNBR is an unforgettable experience and cycling is a viable alternative for transport,” said Co
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