Naked Bike Ride to roll through Montpelier in June
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By Sarah Hinckley Times Argus Staff - Published: May 27, 2008
MONTPELIER – Grab your bike helmet and shoes – but nothing else.
The World Naked Bike Ride is rolling through Montpelier for the second year, bigger than before.
At 1 p.m. on June 7, those willing to show their stance against the world's dependence on oil, as well as a few body parts, are meeting at FreeRide Montpelier on Barre Street. The naked bicycle ride begins at 2 p.m. The route is three miles long and winds through downtown, in front of the Statehouse and back to the Barre Street starting point.
Organizers, the three original riders from last year's nude jaunt through town, are expecting at least a couple dozen cyclists for this year's event. "As bare as you dare," is the motto for the event that was designed to protest the use of motorized transportation.
"It's a good statement to be making," said Will Roberts, 44, of Plainfield, one of the organizers. "It's not only promoting environmentally-sound transportation, it's also promoting a healthy body image."
When Roberts, Jill Cichoski and Jen Dole went to ride in Burlington's World Naked Bike Ride last year, they missed the start time. So, the three cyclists loaded their bikes up and headed back to Montpelier, got naked and rode through town.
"It was a bit of an impromptu event," said Cichoski, 40, of Montpelier. "People were running out of stores to see what the heck was happening."
Most hooted and hollered their approval, according to Cichoski. The only negative response the naked riders got was one woman covering her son's eyes.
"You have to wave to the people, so it slows you down," said Cichoski. "The whole point is it's a silly thing to do."
And completely legal, it turns out. In Vermont it is legal to be naked in public, but not legal to disrobe. In Montpelier it is legal to be naked as long as there are no lewd acts involved (but it is not legal to swim naked in the North Branch of the Winooski River).
Last year, local police officers received a number of phone calls and tracked down the trio during the naked bike ride to make sure all was OK.
"We want to be respectful of the laws," said Roberts. "Saying that there's naked bike riding sounds worse than it is. You don't really see much."
Participants are welcome to be naked, partially dressed, painted or wearing signs of protest. There will be materials to make signs available at the starting point, according to Roberts. He added that everyone should be wearing a helmet and shoes.
"Nobody looks sexy nude on a bike, so you shouldn't be embarrassed about it," said Cichoski.
There are a number of events going on in the city on June 7, including the Fashion Show, SculptCycle parade and Touch-a-Truck. The World Naked Bike Ride is in conjunction with a world-wide event, not connected to any of the city's events.
"We tried to be respectful in our route – route and timing – so we won't be interfering with any events," said Roberts. "It sounds much more risqué than it really is… It's all about getting yourself out there. All bodies are welcome – and skill levels."
Contact Sarah Hinckley at sarah.hinckley@timesargus.com.
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