The Solstice Cyclists (also known as The Painted [Naked] Cyclists of the Solstice Parade, or The Painted Cyclists) is an artistic, non-political, clothing-optional bike ride celebrating the Summer Solstice. It is the unofficial start of the Summer Solstice Parade & Pageant, an event produced by the Fremont Arts Council in the Fremont district of Seattle.
The event was started by streakers who crashed the parade. The first person to do so may have done so on a dare. Participants now emphasize body painting and other artistry. The group is the largest and fastest growing ensemble associated with the parade. The parade, put on by Fremont Arts Council, starts at noon on the third Saturday in June (the Saturday before or on the actual solstice); painted cyclists typically arrive at 11:45 a.m. and ride for a little over an hour.
Art bikes are common and cycles include BMX bikes, cycle rickshaws, unicycles, clown bicycles, tall bikes, low-rider bicycles, tandem bicycles and tricycles. People come from all over the country to ride. Full and partial (especially top free) nudity is popular, but not mandatory.
While cyclists open the parade, they are not in the parade line-up (except in 2003 when they had a float). Parade rules say "any printed communications, written words, recognizable logos, signage, leaf-letting, or advertising in any form are prohibited on the parade route."
Recent events include a pre-ride body painting party, a party ride through the city, and the parade itself at noon.
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