One of my last afternoons at the University of Illinois and I’m spending it by sitting on a tandem bike in my underwear.

These are the thoughts that go through my head as my friend and I ride down Green Street in her bicycle for two, trying hard to ignore the stares of everyone around us. This isn’t the first time that we would take her odd but wonderful vehicle around campus. This is, however, the first time I’ve ridden with her in my purple lace panties and cheetah-print bra.

The good thing is that we’re not alone: Over twenty bikers are peddling with us for this year’s annual Naked Bike Ride. Some are donning sports bras; some are sporting boxers. My other friend is there, being a champ, running with the bikers in her underwear. One of the riders is nude — completely au natural.

We all came from different backgrounds, covered ourselves in different ways, and had different levels of comfort with showing skin. Two things bind us together: We all covered our bodies in bright paint, so we were as noticeable as ever. And we were all riding for the same cause: to promote affordable health care and the services of Champaign County Health Care Consumers, an organization that tries to give health care services to those who need it.

Many, many people question the idea of the Naked Bike Ride concept. They may think it’s just an excuse for us to vainly prance around in our underwear and get attention from all the gawkers on the block. They question the effectiveness of the movement, question how it exactly helps promote affordable health care for those who are in need.

First, all of the participants need to pay five dollars to register. That money goes straight to the organization so they can continue to help the 40 percent of Urbana-Champaign citizens that do not have health care. About 20 students — if not more — came out and participated in the event. $100 does something. It goes toward health education, dental work, women’s health — anything. It is much better than nothing.

It’s true that we could all pool our money together and quietly help the organization fully clothed. But 20 participants, all stripped down, biking down Green Street? Don’t tell me it wouldn’t catch your attention. And to those staring intently, we were able to quickly yell out what the cause was for, and the name of the organization.

The cool thing about events like this, however, is that there is plenty to be done after everyone hops off their bikes and hurriedly puts on their clothes. The Champaign County Health Care Consumers are always looking for donations, funds and supporters of Access to Care movements. Biking nude for awareness and support was a great start, but it’s not the end.

And to those of us graduating, we’re not exactly removed from this issue of affordable health care. In fact, all of us someday will be ready to start a career. And though we may intend to get a job that has fantastic health care coverage, who knows what will happen? The services of places like the Champaign County Health Care Consumers may be the only way some of us are able to see a doctor. And even if we end up just fine — we get a job that pays for hospital visits, dental care, and the whole nine yards — we should never forget that many people in our future communities may not be as lucky. And we should figure out some way to help out, whether it’s donating some money to a health care organization, writing letters to our local leaders for a better system, or, yes, biking in purple lace panties to gather attention to the problem.

Last week was one of my last on campus. I was supposed to keep my clothes on and quietly write my last column on my maturity growth, or how to give back to the University. Instead, I shed my layers for the important cause of affordable health care awareness. And though it was ridiculous, a little embarrassing and cold — it was effective.

Tolu is a senior in Media. She can be reached at [email protected].