Naked cyclist movement spreads to Chile

SANTIAGO – Seven bicyclists were arrested Saturday for “moral offenses” as the Chilean saw its first edition of the World Naked Bike Ride, which was taking place in cities around the world.

The cyclists began their route fully clothed in a residential neighborhood and stripped off much of their clothing during the ride to arrive at the Plaza Italia either partially or completely nude.

The ride in Santiago was part of the World Naked Bike Ride, a global event created in 2004 to protest oil dependency and call attention to cyclist rights.

Protesters in Chile hoped to raise awareness about their rights to safe travel in the streets of the Chilean capital, where cycling has gained popularity in recent years. Santiago is one of the most polluted cities in Latin America.

Cyclists in Mexico City also celebrated the World Naked Bike Ride, as about 500 riders gathered in the hot morning on Reforma Avenue.

Saturday was the sixth time the event was held in Mexico City, whose version has been gaining participants each year. Some of the cyclists ride naked while others wear little clothing or paint colorful designs on their bodies.

Like their Chilean counterparts, the cyclists in the streets of Mexico City demonstrated to raise awareness about pedal power.

Mexico City and Beijing have the worst traffic jams in the world, according to a 2010 IBM Commuter Pain Study.

London saw its eighth naked ride, with participating taking a route that passes many of London’s most famous landmarks, and participants decorating their bodies with messages of protest against oil dependency and motor vehicle usage.