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What has two wheels and you ride on it?

By Robert Basler
June 23, 2011
feedback | language | sports

Thousands in Portland take to bikes for naked ride

PORTLAND, Ore (Reuters) – It was a typical early summer evening in Portland: cloudy skies threatening rain, temperatures in the mid-60s, and thousands of naked bicyclists gathered near the city’s waterfront for a clothing-free night ride.

World Naked Bike Ride is a globally observed event among hard-core bikers designed, at least ostensibly, to promote the use of the bicycle for transportation.

I submit that the terms “biker” and “cyclist” are not interchangeable. I’ve attached a pic to assist in alleviating any confusion :-)

Biker vs Cyclist.jpg

Ron

Thanks for your comment. I understand the distinction you are making, but I’m not sure what can be done about it.

My online dictionary defines a bike as:

a. a bicycle

b. a motorbike

c. a motorcycle

It further defines a biker as:  a person who rides a bicycle, motorcycle, or motorbike, especially in competition or as a hobby.

I would point out that there was no ambiguity. We called them bicyclists in the lede and used the word bicycle elsewhere in the story

While I probably would have used cyclists, it seems biker is acceptable for either mode of transportation: GBU Editor

Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska, takes part in the Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride to honour U.S. veterans, in Washington May 29, 2011. REUTERS/Molly Riley

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