On Sunday, protesters in Portland rallied against the Trump administration, showcasing the city’s distinctive and playful character by biking through the streets nearly nude in an “emergency” rendition of the annual World Naked Bike Ride.
Daily and nightly crowds have gathered outside the immigration facility in Oregon’s largest city, sporting whimsical costumes like inflatable frogs, unicorns, axolotls, and bananas while confronting federal law enforcement that frequently responds with tear gas and pepper balls.
This bike ride, which typically occurs in the summer, saw organizers calling for this weekend’s event to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump’s attempts to mobilize the National Guard to suppress protests.
Participant Janene King described the naked bike ride as a “quintessentially Portland way to protest.”
The 51-year-old was clad only in wool socks, a wig, and a hat, sipping hot tea as she braved the steady rain and temperatures around 55 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 12 degrees Celsius).
“We definitely do not want troops coming into our city,” King stated.
The bikers navigated their way through the streets to the local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, where authorities instructed demonstrators to remain on sidewalks or face arrest.
The city awaits a decision from an appeals court regarding whether Trump can deploy federal troops after a federal judge imposed a temporary halt on their deployment on October 5.
“Joy is a kind of protest. Coming together in mutual respect and kindness is a form of protest,” the ride’s organizers expressed on Instagram. “It’s your decision how much or how little you choose to wear.”
Due to the chilly and wet conditions, fewer participants were fully nude than in previous years, although some still rode without any clothing apart from bike helmets.
Naked bike rides have taken over the streets of Portland annually since 2004, often causing traffic disruptions as participants cycle through accompanied by music. Some events have attracted nearly 10,000 riders, according to the Portland World Naked Bike Ride.
