At the lively Teufelsrad, Munich’s classic Devil's Wheel, a new safety measure is rolling out: free cycling shorts for women.
The Carnival of beer and brew has long been haunted by a surge of upskirting footage. Clips of women spinning at a high speed on the wheel have spread globally, and critics say they expose dancers to sexual exploitation. German law makes filming under skirts a crime, but the legislation is challenged when the skirt simply lifts as the ride accelerates.
Elisabeth Polaczy, the 80‑year‑old owner of the ride, said she has already handed out more than 100 pairs of cycling shorts this year. "I want to do everything I can to make people feel secure," she told the BBC. The free gear, she noted, is not cheap but is worth the peace of mind it brings.
The city of Munich has stepped in, launching a poster campaign warning that upskirting is a crime. Police have also banned live broadcasting from the festival, and anyone who wishes to film must now obtain a permit that carries a fee. In 2025 alone, the police arrested a Swiss man for filming under a dirndl; last year saw ten arrests for the same offence.
Rights groups echo Polaczy’s concerns. Josephine Ballon of Hate Aid says the law only covers intentional filming under skirts, not incidental lifts. She calls for broader legislation that tackles all forms of intimate footage and holds platforms accountable for distributing it.
As the 190th Oktoberfest nears its end, the short‑cycling initiative reflects an evolving approach to public safety in Germany’s most famous beer festival.
