ADULT THEME: B2+
June 10th • Protest & Body Image

World Naked Bike Ride

An annual, international protest and celebration held in various cities across the globe, aimed at advocating for cyclist safety, promoting body positivity, and highlighting the environmental impact of fossil fuel dependency. Participants ride their bicycles in varying degrees of nudity to symbolise the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and to challenge social norms regarding the body. Beyond the spectacle, the event serves as a powerful medium for environmental activism, encouraging people to consider sustainable transport solutions while fostering a sense of community and freedom among those who take part.

Speaking Discussion

Does riding a bicycle completely naked draw attention to a political cause, or just distract people from the message?
Is "shock value" the only way to get the media to pay attention to peaceful protests today?
"As bare as you dare." Should the law allow people to be naked in public for the purpose of a protest?
Why is our society so comfortable with car pollution but so easily scandalised by the human body?
How would you react if you were stuck in traffic and 5,000 naked cyclists rode past your car?
Do you think body positivity events like this help people feel more confident, or are they just awkward?

Activity 1: The PR Crisis

The Task: You are the spokesperson for the City Council. The local police want to ban the ride, but the environmental groups want to support it. Mediate a discussion between them.

Find a compromise that allows the protest to happen while keeping the public happy.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Rebellion

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

"The most effective way to change a law is..."
"If I had to protest something I felt strongly about, I would..."
"Public nudity is only acceptable when..."

Key Vocabulary

Activism (N) The policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change.
Body Positivity (N) A social movement that encourages people to have a positive body image, regardless of their physical appearance.
Vulnerability (N) The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
Scandalised (Adj/V) To be shocked or horrified by a real or imagined violation of propriety or morality.
Shock Value (N) The potential of an image, text, or action to provoke a reaction of sharp disgust, shock, or anger.

Fluency Catalyst

The "Double-Edged Sword" Idiom: Use this when something has both positive and negative effects: "Radical protest is a double-edged sword; it gets attention, but it can alienate the public."

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