Protesters in Portland Hold Emergency Naked Bike Ride

On Sunday, Portland lived up to its quirky reputation as protesters took to the streets clad in little to nothing. This impromptu event was an “emergency” edition of the annual World Naked Bike Ride, aimed at making a statement against the Trump administration.

In recent nights, large crowds have been gathering outside immigration detention centers in Oregon’s largest city. They welcomed absurd costumes ranging from inflatable frogs and unicorns to axolotls and bananas, as they confronted federal law enforcement wielding tear gas and pepper balls.

The bike ride, usually a summer tradition, was organized on short notice in response to President Trump’s push to deploy the National Guard to suppress the protests. “We needed this naked bike ride,” said the event’s organizers.

Janine King, a 51-year-old rider, described the nude bike ride as “a quintessential Portland way of protest.” Sitting with a cup of hot tea, she remarked that the chilly temperatures, hovering in the mid-50s, along with the rain, didn’t faze her.

“We absolutely do not want the military to come to our cities,” she emphasized.

Cyclists headed towards the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in the city. Authorities warned participants to remain on sidewalks instead of the streets or face potential arrests.

The city is currently awaiting an appeals court’s decision regarding President Trump’s plans to send in federal troops, following a federal judge’s recent order to temporarily block their deployment.

According to the ride’s organizers on social media, “Joy is a form of protest. Coming together in mutual respect and kindness is a form of protest.” They reminded everyone that it’s up to each individual how much or how little they choose to wear.

Despite the cool, rainy conditions leading to fewer participants in the nip, there were still some cyclists riding in the buff, donning only motorcycle helmets. The streets of Portland have seen naked riders every year since 2004, often leading to traffic chaos as they cruise while blasting music. Some years have seen participation soar to about 10,000 riders, based on the Portland World Naked Bike Ride’s records.