70 Cities, 20 Nations Join World Naked Bike Ride Day

To highlight how vulnerable bikers are to accidents and other hazards when cycling on the road as well as to protest against oil dependency, thousands of cyclists participated in the annual World Naked Bike Ride Day on Saturday.

The sporting event was held in 70 cities and 20 countries with the motor "Bare as you dare."

However, in some cities it was held on other days. New York, for instance, held it on Friday. Among the cities that did it on Saturday were London, Chicago and Guadalajara.

The yearly event has been held since 2004.

The city with the largest number of participants is believed to be in Portland, Oregon, where over 8,000 cyclists showed up at Normandale Park an hour before the scheduled ride and took off their clothing. Since the event is considered a protest, local police are around to direct traffic and ensure the event is trouble-free.

Sgt Peter Simpson, spokesman of the Portland Police, said they had some complaints from some residents, but overall, there were not many issues. He advised residents who didn't want to see naked bikers not to go out of the house.