Free Cycling Shorts for Teufelsrad Riders as 32,000 Upkirt Videos Emerge

Munich, Germany - The operator of a popular amusement ride at the Munich Oktoberfest has been providing complimentary cycling shorts to women, in response to the widespread circulation of voyeuristic videos on social media. The Teufelsrad, a long-standing attraction at the Oktoberfest, has been the subject of millions of views, with some videos showing women in traditional dirndl dresses without adequate coverage.

Elisabeth Polaczy, the ride's operator, has been distributing the free shorts for the past three years, stating her intention to create a safe environment for visitors. The shorts are designed to prevent individuals from filming under women's skirts.

An act that is illegal in Germany and punishable by a two-year prison sentence.

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Since the Teufelsrad, a Munich landmark, has become a focal point for online harassment, the Süddeutsche Zeitung has documented a staggering 32,000 videos of women being filmed without consent. The Bavarian authorities have taken a proactive approach. Launching a public awareness campaign at this year's Oktoberfest to educate attendees about the risks of upskirting.

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old Swiss national has been arrested for using his phone to secretly film a German woman wearing a dirndl.

Josephine Ballon, head of German non-profit organisation Hate Aid, which supports victims of digital violence, expressed concerns that the current law against upskirting does not provide sufficient protection. The city of Munich has also taken steps to regulate influencers and content creators who earn money from their social media postings. With the aim of preventing similar incidents at the Oktoberfest.

A group of professional YouTubers from Ukraine and several individuals from Bavaria were behind the circulation of the videos. Which generated significant revenue for one woman. The operator of the Teufelsrad has distributed over 100 pairs of cycling shorts this year.

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And some waitresses have begun wearing them under their dirndls as a precautionary measure.

As the incident highlights the need for increased awareness and protection, authorities and advocacy groups are working together to prevent similar incidents in the future. The operator's efforts to provide complimentary cycling shorts demonstrate a commitment to creating a safe environment for visitors.