VANCOUVER, B.C. — Naked cyclists converged on Vancouver’s main police station Saturday after a man was arrested with his 3-year-old son during a nude ride earlier in the day.
Naked Bike Ride spokesman Conrad Schmidt said six squad cars and a paddy wagon showed up as the group of about 75 naked cyclists arrived at the station.
Vancouver Police Constable Jana McGuinness told The Canadian Press that several people called police, concerned about the child’s well-being. Police arrived and got the man to agree that he and his child would wear underwear during the ride.
But as he left to join his fellow naked cyclists, the man stripped and took off his son’s clothes. Police then charged him with violating public nudity laws.
The arrest prompted the group to cycle through downtown to the police station.
Not all the cyclists supported the protest.
“The leaders of this event do not support what the guy did,” once cyclist who declined to give her name told The Canadian Press. “I think that’s wrong. The kid’s a minor.”
McGuinness said the man later regretted his actions.
“When they were leaving (the scene) it was under the understanding that perhaps he hadn’t shown the best judgment; there were a number of people that took offense to the child being naked in the group and subjected to people’s scrutiny,” she said.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
