Portland, Oregon – The city of Portland deployed its famously quirky and irreverent spirit over the weekend as protesters, demonstrating against the presence of the Trump administration’s federal law enforcement, staged a hastily organised “emergency” edition of the World Naked Bike Ride.
Amid chilly, wet weather, crowds pedalled through the city’s streets on Sunday, many wearing little or nothing at all, as a form of “joyful protest” against the prospect of the US government mobilising the National Guard to quell local demonstrations.
The annual nude cycling event, traditionally held in the summer, was fast-tracked by organisers as an explicit statement against escalating tensions with federal authorities. Crowds have gathered daily outside the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in recent days, with protesters often deploying the absurd—donning inflatable frog, unicorn, axolotl, and banana costumes—as they face off with officers who frequently deploy tear gas and pepper balls.
Janene King, a 51-year-old participant, called the nude ride a “quintessentially Portland way to protest.” Clad only in wool socks, a wig, and a hat, she braved the steady rain and temperatures hovering around 12 degrees Celsius.
“We definitely do not want troops coming into our city,” King asserted.
The cyclists made their way toward the ICE building, where authorities instructed them to remain on the pavements and out of the street to avoid arrest. The city remains on edge, awaiting the ruling of an appeals court panel on whether President Donald Trump can proceed with the deployment of federalised troops, after a judge placed a temporary hold on the order on 5 October.
Organisers of the ride underscored their unique message on social media, stating: “Joy is a form of protest. Being together with mutual respect and kindness is a form of protest. It’s your choice how much or little you wear.”
While the cool, wet conditions meant fewer participants stripped completely naked than usual, some still rode wearing only bicycle helmets, offering a striking display of anti-establishment defiance. The ride follows a tradition established in Oregon’s largest city since 2004, with some annual events drawing up to 10,000 riders.
