Professional cyclist riding a purple bicycle in the city wearing a fluorescent green jacket
bike rider
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Known for embracing the unconventional, Portland once again turned heads with a spontaneous twist on its iconic World Naked Bike Ride. Traditionally a summertime spectacle promoting eco-consciousness and body positivity, this year’s edition arrived unannounced , as a bold act of resistance. Organizers rallied cyclists to strip down and ride in solidarity with protests federal immigration policies and interventions. (AP) (WTHR)
Protest Meets Playfulness
In true Portland fashion, the demonstration blended political passion with playful absurdity. Alongside nude cyclists, the streets came alive with participants in inflatable frog, banana, axolotl, and unicorn costumes, transforming the protest into a surreal, vibrant display. Federal officers encountered not only chants but also a chorus of music and laughter. (AP)
Janene King, one of the attendees, captured the mood perfectly. “It’s the most Portland way to stand up for what we believe in,” she said. Despite chilly, 50-degree rain, she rode wearing only wool socks, a wig, and a hat, calmly sipping tea. “We absolutely don’t want troops invading our city,” she added. (AP)
Riding With a Purpose
Beyond the nudity and spectacle, organizers emphasized the deeper intention behind the event. “Joy is protest. Community is protest. Whether you’re fully clothed or not, it’s about showing up with care and respect,” they said. The ride ended at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland, where law enforcement warned riders to stay off the roads or face possible arrest. (AP)
