Ottawa Riders Bare it at 4th Annual World Naked Bike Ride

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 29, 2008) - Ottawa area cyclists will be gathering on Saturday, June 7th to protest oil dependency and promote human-powered vehicles by participating in the 4th annual World Naked Bike Ride. Many cyclists will be naked to protest the indecent exposure of people and the planet to cars and the pollution they create. The ride will begin at 3pm from Confederation Park, with body painting and other preparations starting at 2pm. The World Naked Bike Ride is an international event with tens of thousands of people in 70 cities world-wide.

"We had over 50 people in the Ottawa ride last year, and we expect to have more this year," said Paul Thompson, an organizer of this year's event. "Some riders will be nude to show how vulnerable cyclists are on the road and to celebrate the power of our bodies. However, our motto is 'As Bare As You Dare!', so riders may wear as much or as little as they are comfortable with. They may wear a costume, body paint or nothing at all." George Armstrong, a cyclist who will be attending his first ride this year, said "It sounds like a lot of fun, and it's a wonderful cause". All human-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, roller blades and skateboards are welcome at this free event.

The World Naked Bike Ride was created by Vancouver-based activist Conrad Schmidt in 2004. Schmidt calls the World Naked Bike Ride "the most exhilarating cycling experience since taking off your training wheels". The largest naked bike ride in the world is in London, England, with over 1000 cyclists. Ottawa's first ride was in 2005, and cyclists from Ottawa have participated every year since. For additional information on World Naked Bike Ride, contact Paul Thompson or visit www.worldnakedbikeride.org.

For more information about Ottawa's World Naked Bike Ride contact Paul Thompson at wnbr.mmvn_ottawa@yahoo.ca