The previous WNBR of New Orleans was 11 June 2022. No new date published for 2024.

Previous Location: Mickey Markey Park, Royal Street, New Orleans, LA, USA

NOLA .com writes: "Like 500 Lady Godivas, a convoy of bicyclists in various states of undress will pedal through the streets of the Bywater, Marigny and French Quarter on June 11. The goal of the immodest gaggle is bicycle safety awareness.

Any cyclist will tell you that they often feel invisible in the rush of traffic. The head-turning World Naked Bike Ride is meant to pose the question “can you see me now?”

As Sebren Strother, the founder of the New Orleans event, explained in 2016, the raw ride serves as a "nonconfrontational” way to demonstrate bicyclists’ vulnerability to motor vehicles. “We can yell and scream at each other like we do already in the streets, cyclists against drivers,” he said. “But I think it's better to get the message out like this. We go by, they laugh, they enjoy it."

The ride organisers share: The ride starts and ends at Mickey Markey Park. The ride takes us through the French Quarter, past Jackson Square, and then back to the park.

Riders should assemble at the park starting at 4:00 PM for body painting, other preparations, and other events. We will have to line up in the staging area (in the street) promptly at 5:00 PM. Everyone who is going to ride must be behind the lead police car and start on time. All human powered vehicles are welcome. Bikes, skates, skateboards, etc.

Only riders are allowed in the assembly area. Like any other parade, friends, family, spectators, photographers and videographers should line the route. There are several good viewing sites along Decatur Street. For photographers, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve on Decatur provides an excellent opportunity with scenic Jackson Square and historic St. Louis Cathedral as a backdrop.

Established in 2004, the World Naked Bike Ride is a global event. In 2009, Strother added New Orleans to the list of cities where nude bike caravans take place. About 50-60 cyclists pioneered the first Crescent City cruise, and the event has grown roughly tenfold since then.

Strother stepped down as organizer this year, after 13 rides. A new leader of the pack has not been announced.

From the start, the World Naked Bike Ride has blended seamlessly with the New Orleans gestalt. Riders wear various minimal costumes and anoint themselves with body paint and glitter. Onlookers gather along the curbs to watch the passing cyclists as if it were a Carnival parade. In the so-called City That Care Forgot, whatever scandal might arise immediately evaporates.

True, Louisina law would sem to call such behavior into question, but in laissez-faire New Orleans, the audacious annual ride is customarily accompanied by a New Orleans Police Department escort."