Halifax, the home of sailing ships, ocean views…and naked bike rides? June 11th marked the fourth annual Naked Bike ride through the center of Halifax to promote positive body image, bike culture and awareness, and to protest the lack of cycling infrastructure in HRM.

The 90-minute ride began at Caplan’s Bike Library on Agricola and wound it’s way through the commons and farmers market to the astonishment, delight and occasional open-mouthed shock of onlookers.

Tom Macdonald, the director of the event for the forth year in a row, was extremely pleased with the turn out this year, calling it an “even bigger success” than the year before.

Almost 100 riders, either completely nude or halfway there, turned out for the ride, each gamely stripping down and sprucing up with body paint. A body painting contest followed the ride so artistic minds created tuxedos, skeletons, bras and thongs, and creeping floral patterns on the willing riders.

Many participants in previous nude rides commented on how comfortable everyone seemed getting naked. “Last year people were slower and more shy in taking everything off. This year no one seems to have a problem just stripping down right away,” said one of the organizers. 

Promoting positive body image was foremost on many people’s minds. Jessica M., an amused onlooker, grinned as we watched the riders hopping on their bikes. “I’ve seen more kinds of naked bodies today than I think I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s awesome, I’m feeling pretty good about myself right now. I’m almost tempted to get on a bike myself.”

“We’re really hoping people can see this as both a celebration of bodies, every kind of body and something that will really raise bike awareness in the city,” said another organizer.

Bike awareness indeed; there are few things more traffic stopping than a long, jubilant train of naked cyclists winding their way through downtown Halifax.