No Kings and Nude Cycling: Montpelier Had Quite a Saturday
Police monitored both gatherings without incident, and no arrests were reported.
Montpelier’s compact downtown was a hub of activity on Saturday, June 14, as two distinct events unfolded, each drawing crowds and sparking conversation. The “No Kings” protest at the Vermont Statehouse rallied against authoritarianism, while the annual Naked Bike Ride rolled through the streets, promoting cycling and body positivity. Together, they painted a picture of a community unafraid to express itself, reflecting Montpelier’s tradition of eclectic spirit.
Morning Tensions at the Statehouse
At 10 a.m., the “No Kings” protest gathered at the Statehouse lawn, part of a nationwide wave of nearly 2,000 demonstrations opposing former President Donald Trump’s policies. The hour-long rally was one of over 40 events across Vermont, which collectively drew thousands, according to Seven Days Vermont. While precise numbers for Montpelier are unavailable, local estimates suggest dozens participated, a modest but vocal group.
The protest, timed to coincide with the Army’s 250th birthday, Flag Day and Trump’s 79th birthday, focused on rejecting what organizers described as authoritarian governance, with signs reading “No Thrones, No Crowns” and chants echoing calls for democracy. A few protesters drew attention by appearing nude, a symbolic act of vulnerability noted in social media posts, though it stirred mixed reactions among onlookers.
By 11 a.m., a pro-Trump gathering took the same space, leading to some verbal sparring between the groups, though no major incidents were reported. The overlap underscored Montpelier’s role as a stage for competing viewpoints, with the “No Kings” rally described by organizers as a peaceful stand for inclusivity, while some residents questioned the nudity’s place in a political protest.
Afternoon Pedals with Purpose
As the morning’s intensity faded, the mood lightened at Dog River Park & Ride, where cyclists gathered for the 18th annual Naked Bike Ride, part of the global World Naked Bike Ride. Starting at 2 p.m., the group—likely 15 to 49 based on prior years’ turnout of up to 49 in 2022—cycled a 3-to-6-mile route through downtown, possibly pausing at the Statehouse. The event promotes sustainable transportation and body acceptance, with participants embracing the “bare as you dare” ethos, ranging from fully nude to minimally clothed.
Spectators lined Main Street, offering applause and smiles. The ride, which shared the day with similar events in cities like Toronto and London, has grown since its 2007 start with just three riders, reflecting the city’s embrace of unconventional advocacy.
A Community in Dialogue
Saturday’s events highlighted Montpelier’s dual nature: a place where serious political discourse meets playful community expression. The “No Kings” protest, with its nude participants and anti-authoritarian message, contrasted with the Naked Bike Ride’s celebratory vibe, yet both used public visibility to challenge norms. Local reactions varied, with one viewer saying it was “a bit much for a small town.”
Organizers of both events emphasized their legal and non-disruptive nature, citing Vermont’s permissive stance on non-sexual public nudity. Police monitored both gatherings without incident, and no arrests were reported. The day’s activities, while polarizing for some, reinforced Montpelier’s reputation as a place where ideas—whether shouted or pedaled—find a home.
Sources: Seven Days Vermont, VTDigger, WCAX, Burlington Free Press, 50501 Vermont, WNBR Montpelier Wiki, MyNBC5, social media posts, and local observations.