Hundreds of Vancouver cyclists doffed their drawers on Saturday afternoon for a global nude protest against oil dependency and car culture.
The annual World Naked Bike Ride began streaking across the city at 2 p.m. at the corner of Beach Avenue and Bute Street, circling the city's downtown core before participants settled down for a vegan picnic.
The event started in 2001, and has been held in some 25 countries and 70 cities. Organizers say it is intended to celebrate cycling and protest against what organizers call indecent exposure to automobile emissions.
Participant Jessica Mason-Paull said the public nudity draws attention to their cause, and also let riders show off their "beautiful bike bodies."
"Riding your bike gets you really fit. Not only is it good for the environment, but it's good for your body, so we like to show off our bike bodies once a year," she said.
Surprised onlookers didn't appear to mind either. "Wow," one bystander said at the corner of Burrard and Robson streets. "Way to make a statement."
The ride's official website says nudity is not mandatory, and that riders are to "refrain from ogling."
