Why Dykes on Bikes Need To Find $5

The Dykes on Bikes who normally lead the LGBTQ Pride Festival parade will be charged for the first time in 15 years at this year's June 14 parade in downtown Portland.

Festival organizers at Pride NW Inc attribute the new $5 registration fee per bike to higher permit prices levied by the city of Portland and an increase in insurance costs because organizers expect to double the number of participants this year.

“We had talked about this a couple of years ago, about what would be fair for all the participants,” says Pride NW vice president Hank Renfrow. “It is not much of a fee, but it is about getting everyone to participate.” Renfrow estimates 50 bikes will lead this year's parade. Participants can register online here.