Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

It's almost that time of year again -- when thousands of naked and semi-naked bike riders take to Portland's streets, to protest oil dependence or whatever suits their fancy.

This year's ride starts at dusk on Saturday, June 29 at Laurelhurst Park in Southeast Portland. If you're going, or even thinking about going, here are 10 important things you should know.

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

1. Don't gawk or ogle.

Everyone is naked, yes, but this is real life. It makes people feel uncomfortable when you stare at their body. You will be seeing a lot of naked bodies tonight. You will get your fill. You don't have to stare at one particular person.

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

2. Don't touch anyone without enthusiastic consent.

This should really go without saying but we'll say it anyway: Keep your body to yourself. Even if you know the person, even if you just want to give them a hug. Ask first and listen to the answer you are given. All consent should be enthusiastic. When in doubt, always, whether you are clothed or not, do not touch anyone.

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

3. Also don't comment on people's bodies.

You might want to tell someone they are beautiful. Please don't. Don't comment on anyone's body, even if you think you are issuing a compliment. Guess what -- your compliment is creepy. No, no, it is. When you tell a naked person they are beautiful, even if you somehow think you aren't being sexual, well, you just are.

And if you have the urge to say something negative about someone's body, well, maybe it's time to go home.

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

4. Don't do anything that might be considered lewd.

The World Naked Bike Ride is a protest and that's why people are allowed to be naked. If you do anything lewd or sexual, you are breaking the law and threatening the future of the whole event.

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

5. If you aren't a member of the media, don't take pictures of people you don't know.

This is not an event for you to fill your camera roll with naked shots of other people. Just take photos of yourself and your friends, if they are okay with it.

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

6. If you aren't participating, and you aren't a member of the media, don't take pictures at all.

If you yourself aren't naked, don't take pictures at all and seriously, don't even watch.

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

7. If you want to watch the event from the sidelines, get naked.

It's only fair.

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

8. Don't drink or smoke weed or do any drugs for that matter.

This is a protest, not a party. The party happens later. And it is illegal and unsafe to ride your bike under the influence. So don't break the law or get hurt and ruin the protest for other people.

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

9. Wear a helmet and proper illumination.

Speaking of laws and safety, wear a helmet to protect your important brain and make sure to have at the very least a white front light and a red rear reflector to comply with the law and stay safe on your bike.

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

10. Clean up after yourself.

Don't trash the park and don't trash the route. Don't give people a reason to hate the ride.

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

Want more?

An (almost) NSFW look at Portland's World Naked Bike Ride

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

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-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052

lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker

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