Upholding a twice-yearly tradition, hundreds of naked students at the University of Vermont ran, walked, skated, and rode blocks through the school grounds to celebrate the end of the term. Despite rainy weather and temperatures in the 40s, students thronged through a defined route doing laps around the University Heights section of the UVM campus at midnight on the last day of classes. Although called the Naked Bike Ride, most were on foot, with some on skateboards, skates, and shopping carts.
The festive event lasted about 40 minutes and included body painting, creative headgear, and a uncertain amount of intoxication.
After several incidents in 2008 involving groping and even assault, the university has taken steps to ensure safety at the event, erecting barricades to hold back spectators and adding extra campus police and private security guards. Student volunteers in special t-shirts also patrolled the area to keep the event safe and fun. Annual cost of these measures is estimated at $14,000.
According to the Burlington Free Press, students give a variety of reasons for the event, including stress relief, freedom, and "Why not?"
"It's UVM and we love to be naked," one student explained.
Note: Photo is from the university's 2004 ride.
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