Boobs on Bikes

Boobs on Bikes is a mostly annual parade of semi-nude pornstars riding on motorcycles through large New Zealand cities (in the past, Christchurch, Palmerston North and most prominently Auckland).

It is organized by the somewhat locally famous pornographer Steve Crow, to advertise his activities and the "Erotica Expo", an adults-only pornography trade exhibition.

2006 Auckland

In 2006, the parade, then much smaller and less known, made headlines in Auckland, when Steve Crow asked for permission from the city council, which was granted. Strong political opposition later materialized from parts of the public and some politicians, including mayor Dick Hubbard and most of the Auckland City Councillors [" [http://subs.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10396427 Bid to ban 'degrading' porn-star pageant] " - "The New Zealand Herald", Wednesday 16 August 2006] . Legal experts however concluded that the parade could not be denied by current laws (bare-breasted women not being an indecency in New Zealand in this age, as a police spokesman noted). Also, the organizers had technically asked only for assistance with traffic control for the parade and declared themselves determined to go ahead even in the face of opposition. The acrimonious debate about the parade ensured that when the parade took place several weeks later, Queen Street was packed with spectators. Rough counts estimate around one hundred thousand people, [" [http://subs.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=283&objectid=10397784 Picture: Wide eyed at topless parade] " - "The New Zealand Herald", Thursday 24 August 2006] of which about one fifth were reported to be female. [ [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10397686 Thousands on Queen St for Boobs on Bikes [+ pictures] ] - "The New Zealand Herald", Wednesday 23 August 2006] The 2006 parade contained about 15-20 female pornstars on 26 bikes and two decomissioned army tanks." [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10397686 Thousands on Queen St for Boobs on Bikes] " - "The New Zealand Herald", Wednesday 23 August 2006]

2007 Christchurch

The 2007 'Boobs on Bikes' parade was held in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 2. This parade received less national media attention than the Auckland parade the year before, as unlike in Auckland, there was no attempt by city councillors to prevent it. However, Christchurch City Council did release a press statement stating that they had "not approved or received an application to hold the proposed "Boobs on Bikes" parade on Friday, 2 March, from Erotica event organisers." The press release stated that the council must be consulted for any procession that will interfere with traffic, or may require crowd management. Erotica Festival organiser Steve Crowe has brushed this off, saying that it is a promotion, not a parade, and all rules of the road will be observed.

City council and organizers of the event say they had received numerous complaints about the parade, however it isn't in the city's jurisdiction to act, as female toplessness is not illegal in New Zealand. Council transport and streets manager Michael Aitken told NZPA that the "standard of dress of participants is not a matter that the Council can control."

Police inspector Gary Knowles commented that it was a "moral not a criminal issue. We have taken legal advice and unless there is a breach of the peace, we cannot intervene." [" [http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/thepress/westcoast/3974823a10.html Chch police urged to stop 'boobs on bikes'] " - New Zealand Press Association via Stuff.co.nz, Monday 26 February 2007]

ee also

*National Cleavage Day

References

External links

* [http://www.eroticaexpo.co.nz Erotica Expo]