LAS VEGAS, NV—As it did last year, the Erotic Heritage Museum will host a rally for the 2017 World Naked Bike Ride on June 24, at the Museum's location, 3275 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. A global event whose purpose is to help fight the world’s dependence on fossil fuels, body shaming, and patriarchal norms, the WNBR has been in existence since the start of this century. Riders, as ‘bare as they dare,’ take to the streets on their bicycles, skateboards, or any other form of human-powered transportation to celebrate the joy and liberty of their own mobility with the wind whipping through their hair… and just about everywhere else. Due to the Las Vegas heat, the museum will be hosting indoor activities as well, including games, a craft table, body painting, and more, beginning at 6 p.m., with the actual bike ride starting at 9 p.m. when, hopefully, things will be a bit cooler.
“For the second year in a row, The Erotic Heritage Museum is thrilled to support with Las Vegas World Naked Bike Ride, alongside other fabulous sponsors." said the museum’s director, Dr. Victoria Hartmann. "As a longtime Las Vegas institution, part of our mission is to advocate for sex-positive culture. We find it ironic that one of the most sexualized cities in the U.S.—Las Vegas—criminalizes non-sexual nudity. We hope by continuing to sponsor movements such as the World Naked Bike Ride, we will bring attention to these hypocrisies and help to change the laws in Clark County, bringing them in line with other cities like Chicago, Portland, and New York. We believe nudity as a form of protest should be a First Amendment issue and thus a form of protected free speech.”
The company Crank and Grind has agreed to support riders before and during the WNBR. Minor bike repairs will be provided by small donations, and both Bad Ass Coffee and Hot Diggity Dog will be keeping the riders fueled and ready for action. Free water will be available to everyone.
“We’ve held bike rides in some amazing cities, but riding through Las Vegas, and starting off at the EHM, brings a new level of support and awareness to our event,” Reverent Phil, WNBR organizer says. “This city promotes hypersexuality, but makes a taboo of individuals reclaiming their right just to exist as they were born. By being naked, we help address body shaming and highlight the vulnerability of cyclists on the road. Motorists will say, 'Don't hit them, they're naked!', as if a thin piece of cotton would offer any protection against a ton of steel going 40 miles per hour. Interestingly enough, I've never heard a motorist say, 'I didn't see 'em' when talking about a naked biker.”
ReBAR is hosting the official WNBR afterparty (pasties required) and will be giving a free beer to anyone on the ride. Bike Smut is providing technical support and coordinating entertainment, including a set by Fans of Jimmy Century as well as some special guest appearances and a pool to cool off after the hot ride.
For more details visit the Erotic Heritage Museum website or call 702-794-4000 for more information.
