Video, photos: West Seattle Naked Bike Ride

September 13, 2009 2:26 pm

| 101 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(iPhone photo by Tony Welch)
About a dozen riders have just left from Morgan Junction, according to WSB photojournalist Christopher Boffoli, and if they follow the route posted on a Google Map earlier, they’ll be heading north through The Junction, Admiral, and on to Alki. Updates to come. 2:40 PM: Stephen sent another photo from right before the riders took off:

We got one report via Facebook that they’ve passed through The Junction. 3:01 PM: Here’s our clip as they passed through The Junction – halfscreen because this is a G-rated site – as you’ll hear, they got some honking and hollering:

3:20 PM: This is getting some buzz on Twitter, too. Sample: @ClutchSeattle noted, “World Naked Bike Riders on CA Ave bring fits of giggles to entire family. 3 yr old says someone stole their underwear.” Offered by @marykir, “Hope they are using plenty of sunscreen.” And according to @playwildgames, the riders have passed through Admiral.

3:37 PM: WSB photojournalist Christopher Boffoli caught the group on the north end of The Junction, passing the Senior Center of West Seattle:

In a Facebook discussion, some have asked, what’s the point? The “exuberant joy of cycling,” says the WNBR Seattle website (note, NOT a G-rated site). ADDED 6:43 PM: Click to see Christopher’s video. 10:19 PM NOTE: Looks like the embed code for that may work now:

101 Replies to "Video, photos: West Seattle Naked Bike Ride"

jiggers September 13, 2009 (2:53 pm)

Where are the hot women at?
d September 13, 2009 (2:58 pm)

Well, they passed by and I think every rider was wearing a helmut! Way to go nekkid, painted, safety-minded freedom riders!
James Mahler September 13, 2009 (3:30 pm)

No worries. I don’t own a bike.
Been here a long time September 13, 2009 (3:46 pm)

It’s just like the solar festival in Fremont.
A little color for the last huzzah of summer.
wseye September 13, 2009 (3:59 pm)

Social streaking on wheels. Must be uncomfortable. Glad everybody wore helmets, though!
Leroniusmonkfish September 13, 2009 (4:19 pm)

So…if I were to follow the same route tomorrow buck naked on my bike the WSPD would look the other way?
JanS September 13, 2009 (4:51 pm)

loved the 3 year old comment on twitter..”someone stole their underwear” – lol. So many people want to shield they children’s eyes…we can’t have that here – how dare they – have to protect my sensitive child’s whatever…and to this above quoted child it was just giggly…and worthy of an innocent comment :) love it..

jiggers…go buy a magazine…

leronius…when you do that tomorrow, would you give us a timeline, so I can come out and take a picture to share on here? ;-)
Leroniusmonkfish September 13, 2009 (5:08 pm)

I apologize in advance if I’m being offensive but what in the HELL are these freaks trying to accomplish! What exactly are they promoting? Maybe your kids will start riding their bicycles to school naked? A new non-stick seat cover? Laws don’t apply to “ME”? This is the US not Sweden…and even here we have places for you to let your freak flags fly…

I have no issues with nudity with the exception of people making it be “their right” and displaying it in public as I really don’t care to see your painted asses! If you are trying to create some kind of shock value then do yourselves a favor and ride the same route next weekend wearing suits and ties promoting jobs for the unemployed as I still don’t get what kinda message you are trying to convey other than that you’re a bunch of naked fools…
austin September 13, 2009 (5:44 pm)

They probably felt it was more worthwhile than complaining and calling people names on the internet on an otherwise nice afternoon.
Leroniusmonkfish September 13, 2009 (5:51 pm)

Sorry Austin…I will make sure to change my flat tire in front of your house and children while exposing myself.
Been here a long time September 13, 2009 (5:59 pm)

It’s interesting how much rage and anger is surrounding this very inconsequential event.
.
Like I said earlier, when Demi Moore did a naked/paint for the cover of Rolling Stone everyone thought Anne Lebiowitz was amazing. Modonna’s naked all the time, and we the U.S. always buy more. If you are that mad about the ride today, you must really hate the Solstice Parade.
..
Law’s don’t apply to “Me” ???
Everyone has a sense of Law’s don’t apply to me attitude. The family who drives 60 in a residential (with their kids in the car), the neighbors who play their stereo until 2 am, the person who still drives while talking on the cell phone, boating under the influence… Everyone has a moment where “The law is for someone else” Human nature… There have been studies.
…
Everyone is SO angry, and mad and pissed off about every last little thing that maybe the ride was trying to show that. On the scale of human atrocities, this is pretty minor. Yet so many were so angry and a few bloggers were threatening retaliation and verbal abuse. But the repeat bank robber? 2 comments.
oldest codger September 13, 2009 (6:08 pm)

I am pissed off and angry that someone said everyone was pissed off and angry.
That makes me more angry. Ha ha ha.
I thought the paint looked sort of fun.
I was at Woodstock, (the real one) that was real nudity.
Kids today are so tame by comparison.
Forest September 13, 2009 (6:09 pm)

I agree with Leroniusmonkfish.
Kayleigh September 13, 2009 (6:13 pm)

Oh, they were *exuberant* about it, which makes it OK.
Leroniusmonkfish September 13, 2009 (6:24 pm)

BHALT…what you are giving as examples Demi Moore, Madonna etc. are a choices we can make/purchase. Show up in front of my house naked and I call the cops.
JoAnne September 13, 2009 (6:53 pm)

This was a disgusting visual assault. I was proceeding down the street minding my own business, and there is no reason why I should have to be subjected to some gross naked creepy guy flopping his privates around.

It’s gross, and there’s a reason why there are laws against this kind of crap.

Those creeps should go back to Freemont and stay there.
Leroniusmonkfish September 13, 2009 (6:54 pm)

And the guy holding the sign “Love” at the top of this post…Love what? What’s behind the sign??? Gimme a break…
JoAnne September 13, 2009 (6:55 pm)

This adds to the growing sense of degeneracy and lawlessness in West Seattle, which I hate, and yes people are angry about it, and rightly so.
What? September 13, 2009 (7:15 pm)

Degeneracy and lawlessness? Try the East Oakland ghetto for lawlessness. This was a yuppie bike ride, not the Hells Angles rally. It’s over an done with all ready. My kids are already absorbed in game boy.
Tomorrow, it’s just a blip in the grand scheme of life.
But I guess the hate lives on.
Leroniusmonkfish September 13, 2009 (7:30 pm)

Maybe just a “blip” today…ignore laws, promote public nudity…just wait and see what kinda deviance it spawns. Ignorance is bliss…
The oldest codger September 13, 2009 (7:37 pm)

The guy with the general “Love” Sign.
That sort of thing makes people angry.
Who is he to be spouting “love”
Shouldn’t love anything!
Sorry to “What?”
HATE wins.
You should move away.
I for one say: West Seattle should get turned into an exclusive gated community. It keeps this sort of thing from ever happening again.
There were NAKED people here. That IS the height of lawlessness and degeneracy.
NO one can get over that sort of trauma and live to tell the tale. There are many who will be in therapy for YEARS because of this. This is the worst thing to EVER happen in Seattle EVER.
Not even the Mass Boeing layoff of the 80’s had this much impact on our psyche.
I also take offense to the mention to the Hells Angles, They keep their cloths on. So they are better. I would invite the Hells Angles to West Seattle before these NAKED people.
JanS September 13, 2009 (7:49 pm)

as the 3 year old giggled…someone stole their underwear. But adults get their knickers in a bind. This bicycle ride will spawn deviance? Seriously? I’m kinda doubting that.

a quote from a Nov. 13, 2008 article about some who were cited on one of last yeasrs rides says:
A Nov. 13 parks memo said, “Seattle appears to be unique in receiving nudist request for use of park facilities.”

The memo said many other cities had “some regulation of nudity in public places.”

But not tolerant Seattle.

As a matter of fact, the memo said nudity is “per se not illegal” under state law, and that “Seattle has no law regulating public nudity.”

Another part says that if the nudity is done on purpose TO HARM, then perhaps that’s illegal. I suppose that means flashing for sexual gratification, so it’s in the eye of the beholder.

Do any of you protestors look at yourselves in the mirror in the mmorning? Have your children never seen you nekkid? Human bodies are beautiful, some more than others, some might say (thinking of jiggers here – lol), and I doubt that these people who rode today would cause permanent damage to any of your psyches or your kid’s.

Maybe I’m less offended because I work with the human body, mostly naked(them, not me). But you all really need to take a deep breath and get over yourselves :)
Wundrgrrrl September 13, 2009 (7:58 pm)

Being nekkid leads to deviance? What kind of uptight world is that?? I may not have the balls to do it in public, but I can appreciate the human form and rather admire their exceptionally free spirits!
c.c September 13, 2009 (8:15 pm)

I can’t go naked, you can’t go naked… but if you get a permit it makes everything ok? With sexual abuse and sexual offenders still being a very real issue in America and yes…gasp…in west seattle…what does this kind of event represent or condone…is this really ok?
angelescrest September 13, 2009 (8:37 pm)

This family thinks it’s just kooky and funny. It makes us laugh.
bb September 13, 2009 (8:56 pm)

i still think these Pedalphiles are not just looking for attention when they ride past parks and kid friendly areas, thats the deviance, but i guess they are just a bunch of uncreative yuppies who have nothing to contribute to the planet but showing thier shotrcomings to the locals. They could promote bicycles by teaching kids to ride, or raising money to give kids helmets, but that would not satisfy thier need for attention.
I. Ponder September 13, 2009 (8:59 pm)

Sorry I missed it. People had fun. It was free. It did not require a corporate sponsor. No animals were harmed. The sun will likely rise again tomorrow morning. If you want to live a dull boring life you are free to do that too. I won’t be watching.
d September 13, 2009 (9:18 pm)

Where oh where do you GET deviancy and degeneracy out of this single event of only a few seconds possible viewing involving a dozen fit eccentrics obscured with body paint.

Big. Deal.

Where is your sense of proportion?

Honestly.
Citizen Sane September 13, 2009 (9:29 pm)

The whole idea of laws in a society is to create an acceptable standard of common behavior so people of diverse viewpoints can get along in relatively close quarters such as urban areas. I came home this afternoon to my place on Beach Drive and a group of these folks were right in front of my place resting/planning/whatever. I’m sorry, but I was not amused! I thought nudity in public was illegal. I can’t stroll down my street in my birthday suit, but somehow if I get together with a bunch of other people and wear some body paint and tell folks we’re making some sort of statement, it is now a ‘freedom of speech’ issue? How about I get together with a bunch of my friends and go to one of their homes and all at once drop our drawers and deposit hot steamy ones in front of their homes? Hey, it’s OK, we’re just ‘making a statement’, right? I’m sorry, but I consider the naked riders to be immature, selfish, and incredibly inconsiderate, and they make a mockery of those who truly suffered to protect our rights so they can ‘exercise freedom of speech’ in this matter. BTW, none of them were particularly attractive, either. Why do you rarely, if ever, see any ‘hot’ people doing these things? FWIW, I have no problem with a nude Demi on RS, or the naked riders at Solstice. I have a choice to go check them out if I choose. I had no choice here. Please remember, the ‘right’ to swing your fist ends where the other person’s nose begins.
Mike September 13, 2009 (9:29 pm)

The difference in this and people speeding/drinking and driving/etc… is that the police will actively enforce the laws on those actions people take. This event (although not physically harming to anyone in anyway) was planned well in advance to break the law and the police give them a free pass. The only way it would be equal to speeding or dui is if the person got on the Internet, announced they were going to do this and told everyone where and when and the police just said “well you know, we can only enforce the law if somebody complains and is willing to go to court to prove the guy was driving under the influence, even though we were told it would happen”.
Daniel Johnson September 13, 2009 (9:33 pm)

Dear BB,

All areas of town should be kid-friendly, pedestrian friendly, elderly friendly, cyclist friendly, et cetera.

Not everybody feels comfortable with nudity, we all have our own cultural baggage on that topic and others, but I hope seeing humans on bikes or at the beach momentarily doesn’t cause anybody in this forum to lose sleep or get angry.

There is room on this planet for all of us to live happy, healthy lives!

Your ideas about teaching kids to ride or raising money to give helmets to kids are good ones. Bike Works would be an excellent choice for that, I know the Solstice Cyclists use funds from their videos to donate to their cause.

BTW, WNBR does collaborate with Gardens Everywhere Bike Parade to promote local green businesses, learning to turn yards into abundant gardens, local demonstration gardens and building communities. Check it out at http://GardensEverywhereBikeParade.org .

Very best,

Daniel
Oldest codger September 13, 2009 (9:49 pm)

Yes, a sense of proportion.
That was the language I was looking for. Thank you d.
Is everyone going to be ok out there?
Should we have trauma counselors standing by?
There isn’t a single issue that is more pressing then the ride that is over?
bongo September 13, 2009 (9:51 pm)

I don’t hear any “hate” here — just people who are voicing their displeasure — that is not hate, so where is the sense of proportion with people saying “so much hate / rage..blah blah blah”. Don’t people have a right to say firmly that they disagree with something or agree with something without it being called “hate”? I do not see the point in the naked ride, but I don’t feel it is that big a deal — however, I did not see it and neither did my 6 year old…who would have had lots more to say than “someone stole their underwear”… we’d have to field questions about “where did their pe*is go? I can’t see it?!” or worse. I would think it was funny, but I can see why some people would not like it and they have a right to say so. Besides, it is against the law and it should not be encouraged, especially since there is no good reason or purpose. It certainly is a not so subtle cry for attention, so these folks are definately exhibitionists.
Leroniusmonkfish September 13, 2009 (10:38 pm)

I’m so glad I brought “deviance” into the topic…The guy “spouting love”? I hope he isn’t…I’m sure he’s a great guy and a pillar in the community but he’s still breaking the law! Yuppies? Young Urban Penis Possessing Professionals? What is it with bicycle riders these days? I own one, don’t ride it naked, don’t drive it across the West Seattle bridge…sure this is all fun…whoohoo, show your bootie…BUT it’s still against the law.

When your kid next week is riding down the street naked and you stop him/her and tell them that it’s inappropriate to do that they may just say “a bunch of people just rode down the street naked the other day”….
christopherboffoli September 13, 2009 (11:01 pm)

Here is my Flickr stream with a few additional (retouched) images:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cjboffoli/sets/72157622364035092/
Daniel Johnson September 13, 2009 (11:01 pm)

Please cite law that shows non-sexualized naked cycling is illegal.
Leroniusmonkfish September 13, 2009 (11:12 pm)

Quit “touching” them CBoffoli! What a bunch of super Seattle naked bike riders…too bad there isn’t more of them riding around.
JanS September 13, 2009 (11:13 pm)

once more…it’s not illegal in Seattle to do what they did. Nudity in Seattle IS NOT ILLEGAL per se. It’s when there is a reason, i.e., flashing, doing it for sexual gratification, , etc. etc. that makes it illegal. If you object this strenuously, get the law changed.

But please…stop with the deviancy, and worrying about these people’s “shortcomings”. “oh, no, I might see a penis. My child might see a penis”. If you have a son, I certainly hope he sees a penis. And what’s this about only wanting “hot” people to be nude. Yeah, the world’s an imperfect place, and not everyone can look like Demi Moore, airbrushed in a magazine. Must have been a guy who commented on that. Human bodies come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Don’t wanna see? don’t look !!!

To those parents out there…speak honestly with your children, no matter the age, when they ask questions. Make it short and sweet – they don’t need long answers. Shrug it off as no big deal, and most young kids will forget about it. You don’t want to have to field questions? Well, imagine how appalled I was when a so-called “christian” teacher brought up abortion…in a second grade class, in a private “christian” school. You just deal with it, even if it doesn’t go according to your plans.

The appalled reactions here are why our kids grow up to think that the body is something to be hidden, etc., etc. That’s just my opinion, but something for you all to think about.

There are many more important things for you to be appalled at, for sure.
Leroniusmonkfish September 13, 2009 (11:16 pm)

“non-sexualized naked cycling”? You support this Daniel? Wow…get a life my friend.
Leroniusmonkfish September 13, 2009 (11:20 pm)

JanS – “If you have a son, I certainly hope he sees a penis”! I can’t type anymore…the tears of laughter have ruined my keyboard.
JanS September 13, 2009 (11:23 pm)

one more time…here’s another quote : dated Nov. 14, 2008

City decides not to ban nudity in parks
By Geeky Swedes · November 14th, 2008 ·

It made international news yesterday — but only briefly. A proposal to ban nudity in city parks went before the Seattle Parks and Recreation board last night, but it was voted down. The proposed ban would have forced a change in the Fremont Solstice Parade tradition of riding naked from one end of Fremont to Gas Works Park. But never fear, the same rules still apply. “The bare facts of the law are that if you knowingly show yourself naked with the intent to alarm and offend people that’s illegal, said Sergeant Sean Whitcom, of the Seattle Police Department. “Just being nude is not against the law.”
WSB September 13, 2009 (11:24 pm)

Re: the law.
There is nothing in Seattle Municipal Code against nudity.
There is a state “indecent exposure” law – note the language suggesting intent needs to accompany the act:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9A.88.010
.
That, I believe, is the context in which police said (as reported earlier this week and around this event last year) that they need complaints as it happens, before action would be taken.
.
But they don’t make the laws, either. If you think the laws should be changed, one way or another, contact your city councilmembers for city law
http://seattle.gov/council
your state legislators for state law
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Results.aspx?District=34
Leroniusmonkfish September 13, 2009 (11:24 pm)

“Make it short and sweet – they don’t need long answers. Shrug it off as no big deal, and most young kids will forget about it. You don’t want to have to field questions?”

Parenting 101? – Great Advice…
JanS September 13, 2009 (11:58 pm)

Leronius…my child is now 28…trial and error – lol..no one gave me that advice way back then ;-) Sometimes wish they had…
Leroniusmonkfish September 14, 2009 (12:24 am)

Does your child ride bicycles naked? :)
JanS September 14, 2009 (1:42 am)

hahahahahaha…uhhh…no…lol…
deoiridh September 14, 2009 (2:16 am)

Leroniusmonkfish – 11 times you have made known your opinion that nudity is illegal (you think). Do you even bother to read the other posts? 4 separate posts in this thread alone have pointed out that nudity is NOT illegal per se, even citing the appropriate law covering it. Please do us and yourself a favor, and do some research before you spout off incorrect information and try to incite others to follow your false garbage. This goes for JoAnne,Citizen Sane,Mike, and bongo as well. Something isn’t illegal just because You think it is. READ UP ON IT. Thank you JanS & WSB for the actual truth.
deoiridh September 14, 2009 (2:21 am)

If you think it’s illegal or should be illegal, then get off your dead tired butts, VOTE, do something productive, or be quiet! I’m wiccan and proudly support the World Naked Bike Ride. AND I VOTE!
Leroniusmonkfish September 14, 2009 (2:49 am)

Deorrhea – Just because it’s “legal” doesn’t necessarily make it RIGHT! I no longer live in WS and am in AZ now. It’s a “right to bare arms” state…wear a gun and be proud but bare breasts aren’t allowed. How F’d up is that! ALL that I was asking was for someone to please flippin’ tell me what the purpose of this ride was for? How did anyone benefit from a bunch of naked bicyclists riding through the city other than the cyclists cooling off their loins for all of the folks THAT didn’t care to see it? Ooooh shock value, hey! I’m naked and in your face society! ohhhh and look at my painted naked body people…grow up and get a f’n life!

And spare me with the “spells”…Happy Halloween!
deoiridh September 14, 2009 (3:00 am)

Leroniusmonkfish – Arizona? How many other blogs/threads do you comment on OUT OF STATE just to stir up trouble? You weren’t/couldn’t be here to even witness the “deviance” you’re complaining about. Oh, and did you complain about the rides in Tucson in Jun 08 and Phoenix in Jul 09? (At least I was courteous enough to spell your name correctly).
Matt September 14, 2009 (3:06 am)

The messages as painted on our bike signs,

“Nude not Lewd”
“Body Freedom”
“Burn ass not Gas”
“Peace, Love & Joy”
“Help save the planet”
“Potest oil Dependacy”
“Curb the car culture”
“Real rights for bikes”
“Celebrate body freedom”
Leroniusmonkfish September 14, 2009 (3:19 am)

Deoriridh – I lived in Seattle for the past 44+ years and have been in AZ for only a couple of months but was around for last years spectacle so I think I have some right to post here. No, I wasn’t here in AZ for those other “rides”…am I stirring up trouble? Did I get your name right this time?
Smitty September 14, 2009 (6:43 am)

I’m still waiting for one of these riders to post their home address so I can come poop in their front yard.

Hopefully nobody will be offended as it’s only “natural”.

I’ll pick it up.
Rachel September 14, 2009 (6:56 am)

Exactly. Well said, Smitty. I have no problem with nudity. If people want to go nude on a beach or whatever, that’s fine. However, this bike ride was strictly for shock value. Who wants to be walking down the street and suddenly have 10 penises in their face? And from what I could see, they weren’t very attractive bodies.
Bob Knows September 14, 2009 (7:13 am)

It is obviously that nobody has been harmed by any of the naked bike rides. It is obvious that the sight of a human body does not cause anyone, 3 year old or 79 years old, to turn into a pumpkin.

The purpose of most laws is to control and subjugate people who’s ancestors were free men. Its time to get off the control the people domination and allow people to do whatever someone chooses to do as long as it doesn’t harm anyone else. Let freedom ring!
r September 14, 2009 (7:24 am)

Although it is legal for a person to be nude in public in Seattle, I doubt that a bunch of bicycle idiots have much to show or prove and are most likely a group of single guys that feel everyone wants to see them dangle the jewels. I wonder how many of them have a criminal record?
austin September 14, 2009 (8:19 am)

People are still complaining about this? You’d think they’d find something different to complain about by now.
KT September 14, 2009 (9:02 am)

Other than the fact that they think it is cool to be outrageous in liberal Seattle, just what is the real point to this demonstration? What purpose does it serve? Does it harm anyone? Probably not. But does it help the community? Probably not. Isn’t it saying I have a right to do whatever I want and I don’t care who may be offended? Again why?
Brad September 14, 2009 (11:34 am)

I think we all can assume that their actions worked… they got the word out and got talked about, like it or not.
WSB September 14, 2009 (11:42 am)

For what it’s worth, to that last point, they never sent us a note nor a news release or announcement of any kind. (Nor did they last year, when I didn’t hear about this till it was happening and WSB regulars started sending in pix/info.)
.
I didn’t even know the main organizer was on Twitter, but I search Twitter, like the rest of the web, frequently for “West Seattle” mentions, and last week came across his tweet announcing the ride date was set, which I then reported here. You could say that’s an announcement of sorts but on Twitter, if you don’t direct it to someone in particular, you have no guarantee they will see it if they are not among your “followers” – TR
Gina September 14, 2009 (12:19 pm)

Is there any group that does a polar bear nude ride on New Year’s Day?
d September 14, 2009 (12:36 pm)

Gina –

If there is, dare I say, it’ll be half the size.
T-Cubed September 14, 2009 (12:56 pm)

I didn’t ride in this particular event, but was in six other naked bike rides in Seattle this summer, so I have a bit of expertise on the issue.

I’ve read all the comments and will try to respond to the complaints (legitimate or otherwise).

Complaint #1 – This is illegal!
Response: No, it isn’t. Not unless it is obscene. See the official SPD word on it here: http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2008/11/14/is-nudity-illegal/

Complaint #2 – The children will be harmed!
Response: No, they won’t. Children have naked bodies just like adults, and many children are more often naked than adults. Having a group of 5-year-old’s in the buff at a wading pool doesn’t do them any harm – so why would seeing naked adults riding by on bicycles harm them? I have asked on several forum for someone to provide me with a peer-reviewed study showing nudity harms children. No one has been able to provide any such study (quite probably because none exist!).

Complaint #3 – I don’t want to see it!
Response: Don’t look at it. The ability turn one’s head and look the other way exists for 99.9% of the people, I would guess. Please exercise that ability if you don’t want to see naked bicyclists.

Complaint #4 – Why are they naked?
Response: As has been pointed out above, for a variety of reasons, such as – body freedom, promoting alternative transportation, and showing how vulnerable bicyclists are when riding in traffic. A great slogan I’ve seen painted on bodies is, “notice me when I’m NOT naked, too!”

Complaint #5 – Not enough attractive people.
Response: You are such a hypocrite. Most of the time this complaint follows a rant about not wanting to see naked bicyclists. That’s akin to complaining about awful food at a restaurant, and then saying the portions were also too small. For those of you who wrote these complaints, what else do you want to ban so-called “unattractive” people from doing? Riding bike in general? Being in public in any way, shape or form? Voting? Please do us a favor and get over your intolerance.
no meato burrito September 14, 2009 (1:10 pm)

Let me get this straight… There were creatures with penises and vaginas and buttocks and breasts?! Oh, the humanity!
brian f September 14, 2009 (4:39 pm)

According to “TV Free America,” the average child sees 16,000 murders on television by the age of 18. (http://members.iquest.net/~macihms/HomeEd/tvfacts.html) Granted, this group has an agenda, so let’s say the figure is over stated by an order of magnitude, and is actually 1600. Our culture has no problem with kids viewing 1600 murders over the course of their childhood, and we as adults are so inured to violence that we think nothing of watching a man being beaten to death on a prime-time cop show. But have one “wardrobe malfunction” that results in the display of a nipple (a NIPPLE, for f**k’s sake), and people go berserk.

Am I the only one who thinks this state of affairs is strange?
JanS September 14, 2009 (5:55 pm)

brian f…strange? no…sad? very. No other country has as much prudery as we do in the United States.Go to London and watch the commercials on TV…then come back here and tell me what you’ve seen, people. They have no problem in Europe with naked bodies, even on the telly…deep breaths everyone…bodies are OK …
What? September 14, 2009 (6:00 pm)

brian f,
I saw that study. There was a similar study on NPR. You are not the only one who thinks it’s strange.
I did my sociology paper on America being freaked out by nude and embracing violence, and how some other countries are the opposite.
We have the most violent video games, and the most graphic murder scenes on T.V.
Other countries edit out the really blood graphic stuff we watch, and they ban a lot of our vid games.
When I had to travel, I had to check… Half the vid games we have here you will never find in Canada, England, ect.
.
We ban a lot of nude in context. ( movies from England,…. people will get up out of the bath and answer the phone, or grab a forgotten towel… naked. We ban that.)
Brian f—-
Check out the “Top optional” amendment in British Columbia pools and beaches. It’s on the verge of being legal for women to have the equal choice as men to be top optional at pools.
What? September 14, 2009 (6:12 pm)

I just checked, it’s not top optional, it’s actually called
“Topfree”
an equal rights issue started by Linda Meyer in British Columbia Canada.
She felt woman deserve equal choice as men.
I applaud her efforts. I how ever don’t like that much drag when I flip turn. I like my speedo full piece.
Daniel Johnson September 14, 2009 (6:59 pm)

Local Edmonds travel show host Rick Steves is also discussing US nudity prudery in his blog this month:

European Nudes on American TV
http://blog.seattlepi.com/ricksteves/archives/179128.asp
Posted by Rick Steves at September 14, 2009 12:37 p.m.

The German Spa
http://blog.seattlepi.com/ricksteves/archives/178935.asp
Posted by Rick Steves at September 11, 2009 10:53 a.m.

European Flesh and the American Prude
http://blog.seattlepi.com/ricksteves/archives/178352.asp
Posted by Rick Steves at September 4, 2009 10:34 a.m.
Matt September 14, 2009 (7:19 pm)

OMG! I love the drama on this blog. It’s wonderful to see such controversy over our little ride. Thank you all so much for keeping this going. I was thinking today that we need to find a supporter in Olympia and in the city of Seattle. If there were an official public nude beach in the Seattle area we would feel more included in the community. Please support Seattle free Beach campaign ttp://naked.wikia.com/wiki/Seattle_Free_Beach_Campaign It would be a start in the right direction to have one nude beach. Just think how we’d have a place and the people who did not want to see us would know to steer clear.
Daniel Johnson September 14, 2009 (7:34 pm)

Matt, According to the Parks & Recreation Department Superintendent Timothy Gallagher (Feb 19, 2009), with regard to clothing optional beaches “we are not pursuing this matter and is not within our scope of work.”
Matt September 14, 2009 (7:41 pm)

I’d post my address Smitty but you seem to be the violent type. Not sure I’d want you in my neighborhood.
What? September 14, 2009 (7:45 pm)

Wreck beach (right at the base of the plateau that University British Columbia sits on) is a famous nude beach that was established in the 20s? or was it the 30s?
Why not have one here? I like it Matt, if people are afraid of naked, they know where the beach is and know how to avoid it.
Leroniusmonkfish September 14, 2009 (10:36 pm)

If you want a “nude beach” in WS then petition for it. Good luck. Can’t really see where the state would allocate such a place but whatever…don’t forget that this is the United States of America and not Sweden, Germany, Canada, etc…the definition of “obscene” is really an individualistic ideal.

Example 1: “I was stopped at a red light in the Junction and a bunch of naked bikers rode past my Dodge Caravan while I was taking my daughters to the store…so happy they got to see a bunch of naked people hanging out”

Example 2: “I would have looked the other way but since I was driving my car and stopped at a light I had no where to go…sure wished I could have just turned it off like I do with my T.V.”

Go ahead and ride naked to work tomorrow without your non-critical masses and see what happens. Just keep pushing the limits of the laws and see what kind of example that sets for the next generation(s) of West Seattlelites.

Peace, Love, Nudity, disrespect for others, laws can be broken if you have an angle, etc…

Cheers!
Been here a long time September 15, 2009 (8:06 am)

Leroniusmonkfish, We get it.
You disapprove of naked or foreign.
Law should be revered and never questioned.
You are part of the moral majority. You have made that abundantly clear.
Thank you

…P.S. You mentioned “pushing the limits of the law”
People push as times change.
I remember my mom saying back in 1933 it was ILLEGAL for a woman to sit AT the bar in Seattle. Period.
That got pushed. Now women can sit where ever they want.
(Small potatoes I know)
My grandma and her friends pushed the limits of the law when they tried to vote.
….
I am not saying voting and nudity are on the same level of importance.
…..
I am saying; the law, (no matter how big or small) has never been changed by
subservient people.
…..
Back to the other discussion of the nude beach.
There used to be one up past Everett. Are you pro beach guys thinking north like Bellingham? Or south like Tacoma? Seattle is too populated. You need a protected entrance and a protected tree barrier.
What? September 15, 2009 (8:18 am)

Teddy Bear cove already exist in Bellingham.
It does have a nice tree border.

I haven’t had the guts to go nude. The people there don’t take offense if you go nude or not.
This is fun September 15, 2009 (8:25 am)

Some of the relaxed and quite secluded beaches of Leschi Park are known for their nude-friendly attitudes.
Look it up on the web. Nude Seattle.
…
Been Here,…
about the bar thing, my grandma said the same thing.
I’m curious about other old laws we have been struck off the list through out time.

I remember one about: All seattle cars must give total right of way to horses and horse carriages at all times. I can see it now, Bicycle vs horse. hehehehe
The oldest codger September 15, 2009 (8:31 am)

Back in the 50s I remember A popular Seattle beach,
Carkeek Park, located in North Seattle was once host to nude bathers.
The woodpecker shooter September 15, 2009 (12:02 pm)

Unbelievable.

Here’s my take. The event draws attention to the fact that bikes occupy the same roads as cars. And one could argue bikes have a stronger right to occupy the road (global warming, peak oil, rising obesity anyone?).

I often bike to work. I can tell you there are many motorists that view cyclists as a nuisance. Or they simply don’t view them. Either way, motorists must share the road responsibly. The consequences of poor motorist behavior can be fatal.

So…if some guy wants to foul his bike seat by riding naked, GREAT! At least a couple more motorists will remember that cyclists are on the road. And maybe, just maybe, I won’t get run over on my way to work.

The early posts citing the differences between nudity you buy/on your TV/etc. and naked bikers are bunk. Close your eyes or look the other way moron. Stop staring! These people are not sitting on your windshield (you’re welcome for the visual).

Seriously!
The oldest codger September 15, 2009 (12:21 pm)

I said before, some people are going to need trauma therapy for years to come.
WSB September 15, 2009 (2:14 pm)

Comments deleted that devolved into what we DO NOT DO here (though a hundred other places don’t mind) – “you”/”no, you”/”no, you.” I will close this if I have to but there’s actually some interesting discussion wound inbetween the close-to-the-edge-but-not-over-it stuff, so I’d like not to have to. Thanks – TR
Rachel September 15, 2009 (5:45 pm)

If they do it in Europe, it must be okay, right? It seems like a lot of people on here have that mentality.
JoAnne September 15, 2009 (6:02 pm)

To those who say this does no harm to anyone:

My daughter is a 5th generation West Seattlite who plans on LEAVING West Seattle to raise her children. Why? Because this city is becoming more and more hostile to families with children.

The naked bikers are a case in point. The city has weighed the rights of selfish, self-absorbed exhibitionists to flaunt themselves against the rights of people who do not wish to be visually assaulted, and has decided in favor of the exhibitionists.

Can they guarantee that none of these weirdos are getting a sexual charge out of flashing everyone? NO of course they can’t. That’s WHY this kind of behavior was made illegal in the first place!

Is it good or wise for a mother to tell her young daughter that naked men exposing themselves is OK? NO, I don’t think so!

Is my daughter the only young, educated person fleeing Seattle on account of having a family? NO SHE’s NOT.

There is plenty of harm done, but selfish degenerates will never accept any responsibility for the harm they do. They are too busy indulging every whim to worry about anyone except themselves.
Steve September 15, 2009 (6:45 pm)

I agree with Joanne. Its one thing to go to a nude beach where this type of thing is expected. But riding around on a bike and forcing people to view one’s genitals is not acceptable. There are plenty of sexual perverts who go to jail for exposing themselves to children. If you really think about it, how is this any different?
this was fun September 15, 2009 (7:54 pm)

Darn, Sad for me.
we were getting into this cool thread of old laws vs new laws, nude beaches and morality from other parts of the world.
Now we are back to calling people degenerates and perverts. Well it was fun while it lasted. Enjoy calling each other names.
What? September 15, 2009 (8:05 pm)

Selfish degenerated and sexual perverts?
We’re back to name calling I see.
I was hoping for more of the old law and new law thread.
The viability of nude beaches and the fact that there were many in the 30s, 40s, and 50s. I spent some time looking up some Seattle history. (Our grandparents were more free spirited then we give them credit for.)
Sad to see the name calling back.
Leroniusmonkfish September 15, 2009 (10:43 pm)

Yes, how things digress…I came on here earlier today only to see a post stating that I expose myself to children and if anyone had info on me? Then the same person wanted for me to “name a place and time” to confront me? I just told him to “Go ride your bike naked in Malaysia” hence the post from TR and the removal of said posts and yet again the need for her having to state the WSB rules. We all have opinions and apparently not everyone can accept those of others…
Daniel Johnson September 15, 2009 (10:54 pm)

Dear JoAnne,

The argument that the City’s quasi-tolerance of nudity makes the City hostile to families makes no senses to me.

What is it about nudity that is anti-family? Is the human body by itself inappropriate?

Can you also explain how naked bike rides are sexualized events?

When a person is not wearing clothes it does not mean that it is time for sex. To say otherwise would be troubling. Is the state of being naked a degenerate state?

When was naked cycling made illegal?

What are the naked cyclists being selfish about? Isn’t it people who argue people shouldn’t be allowed to participate in such rides selfish for trying to impose their views on clothing upon others the ones who are selfish? Please explain.

Thank you in advance for your clarification.
Daniel Johnson September 15, 2009 (11:03 pm)

Steve,

How are the naked cyclists forcing people to look at their genitals any more than forcing them to look at their ears, eyes, nose, mouth, feet, wrinkles, hair, lips, toenails, knees et cetera?

Also saying that naked cyclists are forcing something upon others seems to suggest you think some amount of coercion is taking place or that they are somehow restricting choices of where people are looking to focus on themselves [naked cyclists] in a specific region of their body. Am I understanding you right?

Thanks in advance for your clarification.
Leroniusmonkfish September 16, 2009 (12:34 am)

For the “naked cyclists”…bring out “your” families for your next ride. Were “your” families (children, nephews, nieces, mothers and fathers) present for the WS ride? Just asking…
What? September 16, 2009 (8:10 am)

I wasn’t a rider, but yes both of my kids 10 and 14, and my nephews, 6 and 11. My Brother (parent of nephews) saw them too. They didn’t care. It didn’t hinder our day, it didn’t drop our house value, it didn’t ruin our family dinner, it didn’t fix health care, didn’t make us decide to sell our house. The ride ended and the sun rose Monday morning. The kids didn’t didn’t say anything about genitalia. They thought the guy with the ocean scene painted on him looked cool. Other then that, they went went for ice cream and they just don’t care. Monday the big topic in school was one of their friends farted during class presentation.
….
I was really hoping to get back to any of the old codgers out there retelling what Seattle was like in the 50’s and any other fun not so moral majority facts about the city? I found a story that the Deja Vu was owned by a woman when it first opened? She made enough money to lend to the city of Seattle to almost completely rebuild the city core after a fire took out huge chunks of downtown? If any of the raging grannies, or old codgers know of this story, please give a post.
Been here along time September 16, 2009 (8:30 am)

What?
you might find what you are looking for at the History House in Fremont.
IT’s funny you should mention this story because they are featuring an exhibit on “the strength of women”
They have a lot of great artifacts, pictures and journals from the women who did rebuild this city, both with muscle and money.
Seattle was a lot more pro woman’s rights then MANY of the other places even into the 80s and 90s. We had more woman owned businesses then almost every state except California. Look up a small story about women who started a burlesque to fund a girls school. That is one of my favorites. No help from men. Well, they went to the burlesque so I guess they helped that way.
….
Just as a side note, Seattle Burlesque is making a come back. Look up the “Time Bomb Shells” Not complete nude, very period performances, much like the 20’s in Seattle. Fun, few dirty jokes, and lots and lots of feathers. It’s well worth an evening out. For some.
What? September 16, 2009 (9:00 am)

Thank you Been here.
Can I get your opinion?
(I used my collage $$ on sociology, so I still dabble)
Seattle, Boston, Berkeley, Seddona, Amhurst, are cities that had a VERY strong female influence in their city government during the very beginnings of development.
These cities are well known for high rates of literacy,
art appreciation, volunteerism, schools, and elderly care. They were also the first to support woman’s rights to property and independence.
Do you think the out come is due to the female hand in their birth?
Or is there just something in the water?
Actually, if people can keep the anger and name calling out it,
I would love to get a few opinions.
….
Been here, you might get a kick out of this one,
In California, in 1890, there were 15 woman run “French restaurants” which was food on the first floor and a brothel on the second. Run by women. They raised enough money to makes sure they got the politicians they wanted in office. They had the California congress stacked for a good 40+ years. Prohibition in the 20’s and 30’s brought them down.
Been here a long time September 16, 2009 (10:44 am)

That is fun.
I do feel that city’s with a female hand in, did grow to become more philanthropic. In the old days, volunteerism, care of the elderly were Female values. (woman’s work)
It is interesting how the use of “nude and naughty” was a way to get money to keep funding the needy.

The fact that we have this ying and yang to our city is a great tribute to the women who pushed the limits of the law to rebuild after fires, refinance after depressions, and keep our city standing.

If you want a great head spinning tale, look up what some of our radical granny’s did to push the limits of the law to shape Portland. Or better still Juno. I won’t give away the ending but these are very vibrant cities.
Enjoy the research.
What? September 16, 2009 (10:56 am)

Daniel Johnson,
I got so caught up in Seattle history, I forgot to say I like your post. Thank you.
Guy George September 16, 2009 (5:30 pm)

dear Leroniusmonkfish. You obviously have some issues but that’s okay. You’re uncomfortable with public nudity – don’t look, dude. Take responsibility upon your OWN actions and let these people do as they please. Another thing . . . get your facts straight. It is NOT against the law to appear naked in the city. You have to be “lewd” and lewd is a very difficult issue to prove in court unless it is blatant. You, sir, may change your flat tire naked in front of my house anytime – I will bring you a glass of fresh squeezed lemonaide to go with your sour disposition. Go naked people go!!!
JoAnne September 19, 2009 (9:27 am)

Dear Daniel Johnson,

Please consider what I actually said, and not what think said I said, before posting your response. (I am happy to argue my own positions, but not those attributed to me by mistake).

JoAnne
Sam September 22, 2009 (7:36 am)

Being naked is not illegal? Does that mean that if a nudist colony was to move into the city, walk about naked doing their daily errands, that that is okay as far as the law is concerned because there is no illegal intent in going to the grocery for the evenings meal ingredients totally in the buff? If it is, Lord help up when grannie and grandpa show us at the grandkids soccer game, only in what they were born in!
What? September 22, 2009 (9:49 pm)

There are nude beaches in Seattle. Other bloggers tipped me off and challenged me to do some research into Seattle history.
There are small nudist colony’s already here. Other bloggers have mentioned that grannie and grandpa were a lot more free spirited in Seattle then we ever gave them credit for in the past.
I still say, there are much much worse problems then a few naked riders. Gangs, drugs, homelessness. Naked riding is already over and done. The ride is long gone by. But gang violence happens every day.
The oldest codger September 23, 2009 (7:11 pm)

100 comments. ha ha.
This is rather funny.
keltickitty September 26, 2009 (8:27 am)

Leroniusmonkfish- get a clue you are not here get over youself.

Sorry, comment time is over.