Naked Cyclists Flood Philly Streets; First Photos

 FIRST PHOTOS!

 PHILLY NAKED BIKE RIDE!

SEPTEMBER 4, 2011

Naked bicyclists overwhelmed Center City Philadelphia late today as they cycled from the scenic River Drive, around posh Rittenhouse Square, down Market Street, through Independence Hall (just a few pedals from the Liberty Bell) and north to the Piazza at Schmidts in the funky Northern Liberties neighborhood.
The whole thing went off without a hitch with as many as a thousand or more pedal-powered participants receiving cheers from bystanders, gawkers and sidewalk diners along the route.
The weather was perfect and the view was -- well, you can see it here.
The Philly Naked Bike Ride is designed to promote bike-riding as an alternative to gas guzzling. It's part of an international movement. The organizers say they are interested in "fuel-conscious consumption." They claim this is their only message.
This was the third annual naked bike ride through the streets of Philadelphia. The first seven-mile Philly Naked Bike Ride in 2009 was counted as a big success with far fewer participating. The event seems to get bigger every year.
Do you have to be naked to participate? No. And some people weren't naked. It's a very public event and the extent to which participants disrobe is their own choice.
The local police were aware of the ride and monitored it. They didn't anticipate any problems just so long as the bike riders kept moving -- and as long as they did not engage in lewd behavior.
To our knowledge, there were no problems.
All photos copyright 2011, Dan Cirucci.