Given that the majority of those attending the World Naked Bike ride tend to be men why have you used a tracing of a pornographic photograph with no relation to the WNBR and entirely of women to illustrate this piece?

Adam,
I don’t have exact figures, but the Naked Bike ride is graced by a good proportion of the fairer sex. And because it is fairer, there is a preference to publish and see images of lady participants.

You are right, the drawing has nothing to do with the ride, but I would call it charming rather than pornographic.

[...] London Naked Bike Ride 2010 – This year, the largest Naked Bike Ride of them all is taking place on 12th June. Will you be there? (velorution) [...]

Hi,
naked women are everywhere.
I surely don’t have a preference to see naked women and I agree with Adam. I really value modesty and I am attracted to pictures that bring out that.
Even if several women in desperate need of attention will participate (vanity and the avid need to be looked at is one of our feminine saddest aspect) I would be much happier if I don’t see naked or semi-naked women on your site.

it is just an illustration. if you don’t want to see naked people riding their bikes, do not attend and don’t click on the blog post in the first place.

I have nothing against seeing naked people and fully support the World Naked Bike Ride. If you had read my original post you would see I asked why use this particular image to advertise the event. Given that it was originally a pornagraphic image and the widespread availability of other images of the WNBR it denigrates the whole event to use it.

Hello.

I don’t seem to get “what” is pornographic in this image.
Is there any scene of sex? Is it vulgar?
Anyone said that Queen’s “bicycle ride” video was a porn movie and better be shown in Soho rathere than on tv??
C’mon, there’s A LOT worse on tv, I’d say…

you said it andrea. there is nothing pornographic about the image. it has artisitc merit and doesn’t cause sexual thought. i actually really like the image, if it was a poster or a flyer

No problems with naked riders or the reasons behind WKBR. pity the artist used a photo from Queen album and modified it instead of using one of the many excellent photos ( or even one of their own) of the event.

Interesting…

I’m very good friends with the artist of this illustration. He was never asked permission by Velorution to use his work. Also, this drawing is not at all affiliated with the Naked Bike Ride.

Hello Q,

I have read your comment about the picture we have used.
We credited the artist, but did not ask for his permission, because the email address does not appear on his website.

Please do ask him if he is OK with the image being on our website; naturally we will take it down if he objects.

Regards,

Andrea