Toronto will be partaking in the World Naked Bike Ride this Saturday as the event celebrates its 20th anniversary, leaving some bike rental companies worried about sanitation.
According to the World Naked Bike Ride website, the event is “a global protest against the over usage of oil and urban pollution, promoting greater cycling safety on our roads, and encouraging body freedom for everyone.”
The event originated in Vancouver in 2002 and now takes place in 80 cities across the world.
Organizers of the event recommend that those who are renting a bike for the event use a seat cover.
The organizers said that riding naked may even be more enjoyable for riders than doing so clothed.
“When riding with clothes on you’re often rubbing against the seams, so in some ways naked riding is comfier! Ride routes will often be chosen with less experienced cyclists in mind, so will avoid hills and be more leisurely in pace, increasing comfort,” said the organizers.
This has already been a subject of concern for Toronto bike rental company Bike Share Toronto, whose director asked CityNews Toronto to make the recommendation clear.
“Though we don’t encourage it, we understand that some riders will use the system in this manner on June 8,” wrote Bike Share Toronto’s director Justin Hanna.
He stressed the importance of renters exercising some common courtesy regarding their hygiene, encouraging them to “wipe down the seats and handlebars after their ride so that they are sanitized for the next rider.”
World Naked Bike Ride organizers also issued some advice to participants about being nude post-ride.
“Please get dressed after the ride. We don’t want issues with the police,” states their website.
The event is free and requires no registration. It runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, commencing at Coronation Park, 711 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
The route will pass through Kensington Market, Yorkville, Yonge-Dundas Square and the CN Tower.
