LA’s World Naked Bike Ride postponed amid downtown unrest
Organizers cite safety concerns following ICE raids and protests
The Los Angeles edition of the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR), originally scheduled for Saturday, June 28, has been postponed to September 13, 2025, in response to ongoing unrest and heightened federal activity in downtown Los Angeles.
“Due to the current situation in downtown LA, and in an abundance of caution for the safety of our riders and volunteers, we have decided to postpone the Los Angeles World Naked Bike Ride,” read the official announcement, shared by the organizers on Instagram. Pre-registration remains open through September 11.
The decision comes in the wake of a sweeping series of ICE raids that began earlier this month, resulting in more than 100 detentions across Southern California. Downtown Los Angeles has been a flashpoint, with street protests, law enforcement clashes, and curfews affecting nearby businesses and public gatherings.
In a phone conversation with Planet Nude, organizers Rolf and Cynthia Holbach said the tipping point was the proximity of the ride’s meeting location to the downtown ICE detention center. “The parking lot is right across the street from the detention center,” said Cynthia. Rolf added, “Our primary concern is safety for all our riders and volunteers.”
The decision was made unanimously by the WNBR LA board. The announcement follows a similar move by CicLAvia, which postponed a major ride in South Central Los Angeles that had been planned for the prior weekend.
Asked whether relocating the event was considered, Rolf explained that they’re still working with the city to retain the current route: “Once we get an answer from the city, then we’ll decide whether we’re going to keep it where it is or move it.”
Cynthia notes that the postponement gives organizers crucial breathing room to adapt if needed: “We had no time to do that before. Now we have some time to figure it out.”
For now, the WNBR LA team is focused on ensuring a safe, celebratory return in September—hopefully with calmer streets, a clear route, and a strong turnout. 🪐
Perhaps the WNBR needs to be primarily a freedom ride..