PORTLAND, Ore. — Organizers of Portland’s iconic World Naked Bike Ride say they are planning an “emergency” ride in response to President Donald Trump’s recent announcement that National Guard troops will be deployed to the city.
In a post shared on Instagram Wednesday, the group wrote that “plans are being worked on,” but did not provide further details on the route or timing. The organizers said the ride will serve as a peaceful, symbolic protest against what they view as an unnecessary show of federal force.
The Naked Bike Ride, which began in 2004, has grown into one of Portland’s most recognizable and unconventional demonstrations of both body positivity and social activism. The annual event, typically held in the summer, draws thousands of cyclists — many of whom strip down completely — to promote environmental awareness, cyclist safety, and freedom of expression.
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This year’s official ride in July attracted about 5,700 participants, according to organizers.
Protest Through Playfulness
The emergency ride announcement comes as tensions remain high in Portland following weeks of demonstrations outside the city’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility and downtown federal buildings.
While most protests have been peaceful, President Trump’s description of the city as “war ravaged” and his decision to send in the National Guard have fueled local backlash.
State and city officials, including Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, have rejected Trump’s characterization, insisting that the city does not need federal troops.
The Naked Bike Ride group’s post framed their planned event as a nonviolent and creative response to the deployment, staying true to the event’s longstanding mix of protest and performance.
“Riding nude is about vulnerability, freedom, and resistance,” one longtime participant said. “If they’re going to send soldiers to our streets, we’ll respond with what Portland does best — joy, community, and a little harmless chaos.”
A Tradition of Expression
Over the years, Portland’s Naked Bike Ride has become more than a quirky spectacle; it’s a cultural statement about personal liberty and the right to peaceful dissent.
Organizers have not yet released the date or start location for the emergency ride but encouraged supporters to stay tuned on social media for updates.
For now, the plan reflects Portland’s enduring tradition of protesting power through creativity — and perhaps proving once again that even in times of tension, the city finds a way to make its voice heard, loudly and unapologetically.
