Hundreds of cyclists took part in the annual “World Naked Bike Ride” event on June 24th, riding naked through the streets of Guadalajara to raise awareness about the dangers they face from reckless drivers and lack of safety infrastructure.
The event was organized by local cycling groups to protest against the frequent disregard for their safety by motorists. Many cyclists have been injured or killed in accidents caused by reckless driving, and some have even reported being intimidated or harassed while riding.
To draw attention to these issues, participants gathered at Plaza José Clemente Orozco on Saturday afternoon, where they painted messages, danced, and eventually removed their clothing before setting off on their ride at 5:00 pm.
The route took them through several major avenues in the city, including López Cotilla, Luis Pérez VerdÃa, Avenida México, Plan de San Luis, Américas, Federalismo, Hidalgo, Marcelino GarcÃa Barragán, Revolución, and Calzada Independencia. Along the way, they stopped for a break at the Municipal Presidency of Guadalajara.
After their break, the group continued along the same route to return to their starting point, where they hosted a festival featuring music, dance, paintings, races, and other activities aimed at raising awareness among drivers about the importance of respecting cyclists’ safety.
In addition to protesting against the lack of safe spaces for cycling, participants also called for better maintenance of existing bike lanes and infrastructure. Many of these lanes are in disrepair, with broken separators and inadequate lighting, making it difficult or unsafe for cyclists to use them.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling as a mode of transportation for both physical and environmental health, while also promoting respect between motorists and cyclists. The Guadalajara City Police Department and the State Security Secretariat (SSE) supported the event by conducting a traffic control operation from midday onwards, closing several avenues and partially blocking others to ensure public safety during the ride.
The naked bike ride is an annual international event that takes place in many cities around the world. It aims to promote cycling as a safe and enjoyable mode of transportation while also raising awareness about the importance of road safety and cyclist rights.
Source: Infobae