Google Map of the meetup site in Coronation Park
Riders will meet in Coronation Park, just south of the Exhibition Place Princes' Gates beginning around 10am (or earlier) on Saturday, June 13 where they will socialize, remove clothing, apply sunscreen and bodypaint. Departure happens around 1pm as participants mount bicycles, roller skates, skateboards or scooters for their clothes-free tour of downtown Toronto.
What, you say, is this even possible? Yes, it is. The ride in Toronto was started in 2004 and every year more and more people joined in, until Covid delayed the typical planned second Saturday in June 2020 and some people kept away due to the pandemic. But Covid could only slow them down for one year, now the rides bring hundreds of people, some who join on the spur of the moment as the group rides past.
While the route starts at Coronation Park, it winds through City streets, stopping or passing by some of Toronto's famous and iconic locations, in a general clockwise direction before returning back down to the lake, checking out some parks, then returning to Coronation Park. You can join or leave the group at any time and their are several planned breaks, the longest and most well known is the reflecting pond in City Hall's Nathan Phillips Square (there might not be water as the FIFA celebrations have made the pond into a couple of soccer fields).
The actual route changes slightly every year depending on traffic, construction and whoever is giving directions and it takes around 4-5 hours to complete the ride. Many participants jump on a ferry or water taxi to head over to Hanlan's clothing optional beach on the Toronto Islands, either when the ride first passes the ferry terminals, or after the completion of the ride.
WNBR was started as a protest of the World's dependence on oil, which continues to be an important part of the ride, especially with what is going on in the Middle East, however several other reasons have become ingrained into the meaning of the ride. The Toronto WNBR Facebook page lists several of the reasons.
1. Reducing fossil fuel consumption: By cycling naked, participants show their commitment to more sustainable and less oil-dependent modes of transportation.
WNBR was started as a protest of the World's dependence on oil, which continues to be an important part of the ride, especially with what is going on in the Middle East, however several other reasons have become ingrained into the meaning of the ride. The Toronto WNBR Facebook page lists several of the reasons.
1. Reducing fossil fuel consumption: By cycling naked, participants show their commitment to more sustainable and less oil-dependent modes of transportation.
2. Cyclist safety: The event highlights the vulnerability of cyclists on the roads and encourages motorists to be more attentive and respectful towards alternative modes of transportation.
3. Body Positivity: By stripping naked to participate in the World Naked Bike Ride, participants celebrate the diversity of human bodies and promote self-acceptance.
This unique event combines activism, awareness, and celebration of bodily freedom. It brings together people from all walks of life for an unforgettable cycling experience.
Some of the stops include bathrooms, but otherwise they are few and far in between. Coronation Park has bathrooms so make sure you empty your tank before heading out. There are also washrooms in a few of the Queens Quay parks, in Trinity Bellwoods Park, in Allan Gardens, at Toronto City Hall and down at the ferry terminals.
Hopefully it will be a beautiful day, but Gene says the ride goes, rain or shine. If it is sunny and warm you will need plenty of fluids and sunscreen, maybe a snack as well. It will always be a good idea to bring a seat cover, especially with rented or borrowed bikes.
The following are things to keep in mind.
- Parking is limited in Coronation Park and the meetup location is in and around the Victory-Peace Monument near the giant Canadian flag pole. There will also be reduced parking available nearby as construction of Ontario Place, the expansion and construction area in Exhibition Place due to FIFA upgrades. Even the Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer 2026 has moved from Exhibition Place to Sherway Gardens. Find someplace to park and ride to Coronation Park, or bike there from home if you can.
- The ride can be difficult in that we are riding on city streets with potholes, streetcar tracks and traffic lights and stop signs. Since a large group is participating, all trying to keep together, it is easy to get to close to each other and fall, or go through a rail track and fall, not notice that the group is stopping and fall, or come to a stop and just fall. So just plan on NOT FALLING!
- There are usually voluntary marshals that try to keep intersections blocked so only the WNBR can get through as a group, however this inconveniences drivers so try to keep together and remember that some drivers can get a case of road rage when they can't pass, or are delayed.
- If you are on your own or leave the group, put on clothes.
- People will be at the park watching the group and taking photos. You can wait to take off your clothes until the last minute, or like some people, put on masks to hide your identity. Once the group starts riding, bystanders will usually embrace the ride, cheer on the group and probably take photos and videos. Some will be mad at the WNBR, scream and possibly body shame, but luckily most find the whole event funny.
- Rarely do the bicycle mounted police provide an escort (it has only happened a few times). However most years the group will have police show up at Coronation Park because of people calling in to complain about the nudists at the park. Gene contacts police ahead of time to make them aware of the ride and puts up posters and notices, however this does not stop the police checking things out. They will meet with Gene or others, talk a bit, then the police usually leave and the ride continues getting reading for departure.
- It's as bare as you dare but do wear footwear and remember bicycle helmets are recommended. Otherwise it is up to you to determine how comfortable you are with being naked or partially naked. The sun can be powerful over the course of the ride so if you aren't covered, get a friend to complete your sunscreen application and don't forget to reapply occasionally.
- Bring your own bodypaint, although some people share paint and sometimes there is a pro bodypainter on site (for a fee).
- Consider bringing a first aid kit or bandages for falls. There are no lockers nearby so bring a bag or backpack to store your clothes and supplies until you need them again.
- There is no cost to join the actual ride, no fundraising required per kilometre, no sign up at all, just join the ride to get word out on the purpose of the WNBR. There is a lot of cheerleading with chants of "less gas, more ass" and "Toronto World Naked Bike Ride".
- Sometimes media cover the event, like the CBC or Naked News (with nude reporters) and sometimes a group joins from the Toronto Oasis Aqualounge (a private member adult club) but the most enthusiastic group (I think) that joins is from Bare Oaks Naturist Resort. There are also individuals or small groups that come from other cities, provinces and other countries just to experience the WNBR.
- Have fun, enjoy the uniqueness of the annual event, keep orderly, safe and please don't fall.
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