Portland’s nude cyclists take to the streets in protest of militarization
'Emergency' naked bike ride draws crowd despite rain and federal tension
Hundreds of cyclists—many nude, others costumed or lightly dressed—filled Portland’s streets Sunday for an “emergency” edition of the World Naked Bike Ride, held in protest of President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy federalized National Guard troops to the city. The event began around 2:30 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center Plaza before winding through Northeast Portland under steady rain.1
Organizers framed the ride as an act of resistance against what they called the “militarization of our city” and a show of solidarity with immigrant and Indigenous communities affected by federal enforcement actions. “This is a very peaceful form of protest,” organizers said in an earlier statement. “Joy is a form of protest. Being together with mutual respect and kindness is a form of protest.”
Although attendance was smaller than the city’s traditional summer rides—some of which have drawn as many as 10,000 participants—estimates from witnesses and media outlets placed Sunday’s turnout in the hundreds or low thousands. Wet weather and mid-October temperatures kept many partially clothed, but the spirit of the protest remained unmistakably Portland. Riders wore helmets, wool hats, and body paint; some reportedly carried signs reading “No troops in our streets” and “Bodies not battalions.”
Cyclist Janene King called it “a quintessentially Portland way to protest,” describing the vulnerability of nudity as symbolic of the city’s resistance to federal intrusion.2 Others echoed that theme. “The naked bike ride is always about showing the vulnerability of the cyclists,” said participant Daniel March. “This time it’s showing the vulnerability of our citizens.”3
The demonstration proceeded peacefully. Participants rode toward Portland’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, where police ordered protesters to remain on sidewalks or face arrest. There were no immediate reports of detentions or clashes resulting from the nude riders.
Though smaller than summer’s spectacle, Sunday’s ride reaffirmed Portland’s place as a global capital of nudity-based protest. The image of unclothed riders pedaling through cold rain toward a federal building may soon stand as the defining photo of this latest political showdown—that is, if the inflatable frogs and unicorns don’t steal the show.4 🪐
More to read
Deml, J. (2025, October 12). Cyclists rally against “militarization” of Portland with emergency naked bike ride. KOIN 6 News. https://www.koin.com/news/portland/emergency-naked-bike-ride-protest-northeast-portland/
Kane, J., & Weber, C. (2025, October 13). Naked bike riders in Portland demonstrate against federal troops. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/portland-oregon-naked-bike-ride-protest-43ecafc5f5ce0a7d7f44dc016fbe86d0
(Deml, 2025).
More references used:
Todd, T. (2025, October 1). “Emergency” World Naked Bike Ride planned in Portland. The Oregonian/OregonLive. https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2025/10/emergency-world-naked-bike-ride-planned-in-portland.html
Major feeling is one of relief. The courage of the riders (whether rugged up or not) needs to be acknowledged. They gave demonstrated vicious thugs an opportunity to attack the most vulnerable while showing their contempt for the same thugs. It would have been only fear of ridicule that stopped any attacks. More nudes and frogs to the barricades!
I appreciate the article highlighting the World Naked Bike Ride in Portland. As a proud nudist, I find value in the principles of body positivity and freedom that nudism promotes. However, I don't align with the notion of using nudism as a form of protest.
While I understand the desire to express vulnerability and solidarity with various causes, nudism, for me, is about personal freedom and comfort rather than a political statement. Unfortunately, many people misinterpret nudism and associate it with being “crazy,” which can detract from its true essence as a lifestyle choice based on body acceptance.
Nudism can foster a sense of community and self-acceptance without necessarily tying it to political agendas. I believe it’s essential to celebrate nudism as a form of self-expression and personal freedom while maintaining some distinction from its use in protests, which can sometimes lead to misunderstanding.