In brief
In Munich, the oldest Oktoberfest attraction now combats a new form of digital harassment by offering free cycling shorts to women on its spinning Teufelsrad. The stunt follows a surge of upskirting videos that have been viewed millions of times and sparked legal debate. Local authorities have tightened legislation, but activists say current laws fall short. The operator, 80‑year‑old Elisabeth Polaczy, has already handed out over a hundred pairs this year, signalling a community‑led push for safer public spaces. The story highlights how simple protective measures can confront online privacy violations.
When the classic Teufelsrad, Munich’s spinning dragon wheel, reaches its peak, the crisp air can lift skirts in a flash. A viral trend of upskirting, or filming under women’s skirts, has turned this festive highlight into a spotlight for digital harassment. Thousands of clips have circulated online, some commanding massive views and even propelling spectators into financial success.
To protect riders, the ride’s 80‑year‑old operator, Elisabeth Polaczy, began giving free cycling shorts to women in traditional dirndls. "I want to do everything I can to make people feel secure," she told the BBC. Since 2023 she has distributed more than 100 pairs this year alone. The shorts are simple: snug, blue and designed to cover any exposed underlay.
Local police warn that filming under skirts is illegal and can lead to up to two years in jail, yet enforcing this in a crowded festival proves difficult. In 2025 Munich launched a new poster campaign that explicitly states “upskirting is a crime.” Despite these efforts, arrests in 2026 included a Swiss national caught filming under a German woman’s dirndl.
Advocates for victims of digital violence argue the law only protects when the victim’s skirt is actively filmed. They point to future threats such as camera glasses and online platforms that might host such content without adequate oversight.
The initiative highlights how modest, community‑driven solutions can complement legal frameworks, ensuring inclusive celebrations while combating emerging tech‑driven harassment.
