If you’ve spent any time in downtown Madison during the summer, you know the vibe is usually a mix of terrace beers, farmers' market spicy cheese bread, and a lot of Lycra-clad cyclists hitting the Capital City Trail. But one day a year, that Lycra disappears. Completely. The Madison Naked Bike Ride—part of the larger World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) movement—is probably the city’s most eyebrow-raising tradition. It’s weird. It’s vulnerable. It’s incredibly Madison.
People get nervous about it. They wonder if it’s legal (mostly), if it’s gross (not really), or if they’ll see their high school math teacher (possibly).
Honestly, it isn't just about being a nudist. Most of the people riding aren't "naturists" in their daily lives. They are students, librarians, and state workers who want to make a point about oil dependency and body positivity. Or they just want to feel the wind in places the wind doesn't usually go.
Why the Madison Naked Bike Ride Actually Happens
It’s easy to dismiss this as a bunch of exhibitionists looking for attention. But the WNBR started as a global protest. The slogan "As Bare As You Dare" isn't just a catchy rhyme; it’s a commentary on the vulnerability of cyclists on roads dominated by two-ton metal boxes.
Think about it.
When you’re on a bike, you’re invisible to many drivers. By stripping down, riders force people to look. It’s a radical way to highlight how exposed a human body is when it’s pitted against traffic. In Madison, a city that prides itself on being one of the most bike-friendly hubs in the United States, this message carries a specific weight. We have the paths, sure. We have the "Platinum" rating from the League of American Bicyclists. Yet, accidents still happen on University Avenue and East Washington. The ride serves as a fleshy, mobile reminder that safety infrastructure matters.
Then there’s the body image side of things.
We live in a world of filtered Instagram feeds and "perfect" gym bodies. Seeing five hundred regular-ass people riding bikes—rolls, scars, hair, and all—is surprisingly moving. It’s a middle finger to beauty standards. You see bodies of every age, shape, and ability. It’s less about "looking" and more about "being."
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The Legal Gray Area and the "Madison Way"
Is it legal? Well, it's complicated.
Wisconsin State Statute 944.20 covers lewd and lascivious behavior, but "nudity" and "obscenity" are not the same thing under the law. For something to be a crime, there usually has to be a "sexual" intent or a "disturbing the peace" element. In Madison, the police generally take a "hands-off" (pun intended) approach as long as the riders stay on the designated route and keep the vibes peaceful.
Don't be a jerk.
That’s the unspoken rule. If someone starts acting inappropriately or making it "creepy," the community usually shuts it down fast. The Madison Police Department typically provides an escort to ensure traffic safety, which creates this surreal scene where officers on motorcycles are clearing a path for a mile-long line of bare bottoms. It’s a peak "Only in Madison" moment that you won't see in many other Midwestern cities.
Logistics of the Ride
If you're thinking of joining, you don't just show up at a random corner. The ride usually starts at a pre-disclosed park—places like Brittingham or Willow Island have been used in the past.
- Body Paint: This is the MVP of the event. It provides a "layer" for those who aren't ready to go full-frontal.
- Sunscreen: Put it everywhere. Seriously. Everywhere.
- The Seat: This is the part everyone asks about. Do not ride directly on the vinyl. Use a towel. A bandana. A seat cover. Your skin will thank you, and the person who buys your bike on Craigslist later will thank you even more.
The route usually snakes through the Isthmus, hitting State Street and the Capitol Square. This is where the crowds are. You’ll see families, tourists, and confused diners at outdoor cafes. Most people cheer. Some look away. A few take photos (though it's generally considered polite for spectators to ask first, even if it is a public protest).
What Most People Get Wrong About the Event
People think it’s a giant orgy on wheels. It’s not. It’s actually kind of... wholesome?
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There’s a lot of laughing. There’s a lot of "nice bike!" and "great glitter work!" It feels more like a parade than a protest, which is perhaps why it has survived so long in a city that is constantly changing. While cities like Portland or Seattle have massive rides with thousands of people, Madison’s ride is smaller and more intimate. You’ll see the same people year after year.
One major misconception is that you have to be naked. You don't. "As Bare As You Dare" means if you’re only comfortable in a swimsuit, wear a swimsuit. If you want to wear a tutu and nothing else, go for it. The goal is participation, not a mandatory strip search.
Safety and Etiquette for First-Timers
Look, if you’re going to do the Madison Naked Bike Ride, you need a plan.
- Hydrate. June in Wisconsin is humid. You’re exerting yourself. Drink water.
- Check your bike. A mechanical failure is annoying on a normal day. It’s a catastrophe when you’re naked and have no pockets for tools.
- The "After" Plan. You’ll eventually need to go home or to a bar. Have a bag with clothes that’s easy to put on. Nobody wants to deal with skinny jeans when they’re sweaty and covered in body paint.
- Eyes on the road. It’s easy to get distracted by the... scenery. But you’re still in a pack of cyclists. Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops.
There’s also the digital footprint to consider. We live in the age of smartphones. If you aren't comfortable with a photo of your backside potentially ending up on a random subreddit, you might want to stick to the body paint or stay home. You can't control the cameras once you're on State Street.
The Future of the Ride in a Growing City
Madison is getting bigger. The Epic growth and the tech influx are changing the demographics. Sometimes, "weird" traditions get pushed out in favor of "sanitized" versions of city life. But the naked bike ride seems to be holding steady.
Why? Because it represents a version of Madison that people are afraid of losing—the gritty, slightly uncomfortable, fiercely independent version of the city. It’s a reminder that we aren't just a collection of luxury apartments and office buildings. We are a community of people who aren't afraid to look a little ridiculous for a cause.
Actionable Steps for Your First Ride
If you’re actually going to do this, don't just wing it.
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Start by checking the local WNBR Madison social media groups. They usually post the start location and time just a few days or weeks before the event to avoid too much "non-participant" interference.
Invest in a good saddle cover. I cannot stress this enough. A sheepskin cover or even a thick cotton towel secured with bungee cords makes a massive difference in comfort.
Coordinate with friends. It’s way less intimidating to strip down in a park when you’re doing it with three of your buddies. Group courage is a real thing.
Think about your "exit strategy." Have a backpack with a light dress, shorts, and a t-shirt. Once the ride ends—usually at a park or a local brewery—the "protest" status ends too. You’ll want to be able to cover up quickly so you can grab a beer and talk about the experience without catching an actual citation.
Finally, check your tires. A flat tire in the middle of the ride is the ultimate vibe killer. Make sure your chain is lubed and your brakes are tight. You want to focus on the experience, not a squeaky crank arm or a soft front tire.
The Madison Naked Bike Ride is a test of confidence and a celebration of the human form in all its unedited glory. Whether you’re riding or just watching from the sidewalk with a confused expression, it’s a defining part of the Madison summer calendar that isn't going anywhere soon.