Naked bike riders of all ages campaign for safer roads
This year’s Naked Bike Ride between Tarakohe and Pohara attracted 77 cyclists in various stages of undress.
Since the first Golden Bay ride in 2004, this has evolved into an iconic event that draws people from all over New Zealand, as well as international visitors.
As well as the “clothing optional” participants, there were many supporters lining the streets with thumbs up. Other onlookers thought it was “funny” and carnivalesque, while others watched the body painting at Tarakohe from a distance – some with binoculars.
Organiser Victoria Davis said she was thrilled with the “excellent turnout - considering the competition with all the other events that are on today”.
In her opening speech, Victoria re-emphasised that the Naked Bike Ride was taking place to raise awareness of vulnerable road users and to address the impact of oil dependency and the associated environmental effects of burning fossil fuels.
The activist for safe cycling reminded people that just two days ago, a 12-year-old boy was killed on his bike after he collided with a van in Hawke’s Bay.
“We are not here to upset anybody, but cycling should be an enjoyable form of transport, and drivers need to be aware of cyclists and other vulnerable road users,” she added, allowing a rider on his motorbike to form the rear end of the day’s procession.
Doug Ball came from New Plymouth to participate again this year because he strongly agrees with the whole principle of it.
“I am an environmentalist, and when I ride my bike I am often in danger because of motor vehicles overtaking too closely. The motto of this bike ride is ‘give us the 1.5 metre space’, and I am all for it,” said Doug.
Delft Klootwyk, a 2011 NMIT graduate from Nelson, filmed the event for his BA in Art and Media.
“I have been a naturist all my life and I support the cycling totally. We are not here to offend people. I have been brought up by my parents to be respectful of other people and not to hurt anybody,” said Delft while having his body painted.
Instead of feeling offended, spectator Juliet from Blenheim thought it was “very funny seeing all these nude people, and I really liked some of the remarks written on their bodies”.
“I don’t think I would have the guts to do this. You have to be very confident and happy with your body,” she said. “If you see this anywhere, it would be here in Golden Bay; it’s so alternative.”
However, Golden Bay isn’t the only venue for this event. After the inaugural Naked Bike Ride in 2001 in Vancouver, cyclists are now spreading the message of safe cycling around the globe - in over 70 cities across 20 different countries. In New Zealand, one other Naked Bike Ride was planned this year, in Middlemarch.
The NZ Road Code 2005 acknowledges that cyclists can feel threatened by inconsiderate driving and that cyclists have a right to space on the road.
“Cyclists may ride away from the kerb or occupy a lane - not because they want to annoy motorists, but to avoid drains, potholes or roadside rubbish, be seen as they come up to intersections with side roads” and to “discourage drivers from squeezing past where it’s too narrow,” it states.
“Cyclists have a right to use the roads and to travel safely and enjoyably. Please understand and respect their needs.”
Ina Holst
