Livin’ Magazine asks Burlington Naked Bike Ride Co-organizer Michael Nedell the questions on everybody’s minds.

1.What is the purpose of the Burlington Naked Bike Ride?

The Naked Bike Ride is a world-wide protest against oil-dependency and what our consumption of oil has cost us in terms of human capital, i.e., war, and the environment, i.e., global warming. Right now, there are 85 rides in 24 countries planned for this year, in places as diverse as Poland and Tokyo. The Naked Bike ride also celebrates alternative and clean means of transportation and draws attention to the need to invest in transportation options that promote healthy living.

According to Vermont law, one can be naked in public, they just can’t disrobe in public. The Burlington Naked Bike Ride uses this clause in an interesting protest against oil dependency. Photo courtesy of Burlington Naked Bike Ride.

2. Why naked?

Being naked obviously draws attention to the issue, but it also exposes the vulnerability of bike riders in an automobile centered culture. Many people in cars aren’t accustomed to sharing the road with bike riders, and there is a significant safety factor involved if you want to ride on most Vermont roads. And really, would you be interviewing me if it were World Clothed Bike Ride?

3. Is it legal in Vermont?

Funny you ask that—I debated the legality of the ride with a reporter from WCAX last year. He had called the Attorney General’s office to check it out, since he was adamant that it wasn’t legal. It is legal. According to Vermont law, one can be naked in public. You just can’t disrobe in public. So we take off our clothes at our designated meeting place and walk outside naked. Strange law, but we embrace it.

4. What are the common reactions on the street?

The most common reaction is cheering. Also lots of smiling and curiosity, and the quick grabbing of one’s cell phone camera.

5. How many people participate?

The first year, 2005, with very little publicity, we had 25-30 riders. In 2006, with the momentum of the first year ride and with more publicity, we had 40-50 riders. But we would have had considerably more had it not be raining and 45 degrees that day. We trimmed the route quite a bit to avoid frostbite!

6. Are there people offended by the ride?

Yes, some, in the same way the people in the ride are offended by Hummers and SUVs.

7. What are the physical implications of riding a bicycle naked?

This is usually people’s first question. I have organized this bike ride for three years and no one has reported any serious injuries.

8. Where did the idea originate?

It originated in British Columbia.

Here [In Vermont] in 2005 my friends Lina and Adrian Tans alerted me to a yahoo group that was talking about organizing a ride in Burlington. I joined, and with their help and the yahoo group’s help, the ride got going here.

9. Are there any short anecdotes that stand out?

Uh, I am a big fan of double entendre but this seems a bit too easy…

Ok, actually, one year a Burlington bike police officer joined us mid-ride. He was trying to keep us in a single file and watch for our safety. The riders and the spectators started cheering for him to take his clothes off! All of them. All of us. He laughed, smiled, told us to be safe and rode off.

10. Please comment on if there is any anxiety to overcome for participants that do not regularly participate in nudist activities.

There are a few people concerned about being recognized by people from work, etc. So lots of people wear disguises (on their faces).

Additionally, I am not a nudist, nor are 80 percent of the people who participate. But once everyone starts getting naked, it really seems like no big deal. There is also something thrilling about facing your fears in such a public way, and most people who do it once can’t wait to do it again.

Michael Nedell Is a co-organizer of the Burlington Naked Bike Ride. For more Information, visit www.worldnakedbikeride.com/vt.