Naked cyclists weren't always a part of the Fremont Solstice Parade and weren't fully accepted for longer than you might think.
The event began in 1989 but it wasn't until 1992 when a group of streakers decided to ride their bikes through the parade route naked. Over the next few years that number grew slightly but friction between police and the nude cyclists made for some uncomfortable run-ins, literally and figuratively. In 2001, Seattle threatened to pull the parade's permits in 2001 over controversy surrounding the painted riders but cooler heads and naked butts prevailed and it soon became a welcome tradition that is now expected and cheered every year for the Summer Solstice.
All this time, however, the naked, body-painted cyclists have always been an unofficial-official part of the parade. The Fremont Arts Council now wants to change that and is asking participants to register online. There is a sliding scale fee that riders can pay with registration though the option to register for free still remains. Registration is considered optional this year but they're pre-warning riders that space will be limited next year.
According to FAC, the parade included "upwards of 1,500 riders" last year.
· Fremont Arts Council tries to officialize, register iconic Solstice ‘naked’ bike riders [SBB]
· Painted Cyclists [FAC]
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