Don't be surprised if you see a lot of bare legs on the subway this weekend.

Jan. 12 is No Pants Subway Ride day, an annual event celebrating silliness.

Started in 2002 by the New York-based group Improv Everywhere, this day of riding public transportation pants-less has spread to nearly 60 cities worldwide in 26 countries.

As the name of the event implies, participants dress in normal winter attire - coats, hats and scarves. The only thing missing is their pants.

The event is not about exhibitionism but comedy, said Charlie Todd, founder of Improv Everywhere, in an interview with USA TODAY Network.

"It's meant to be a positive thing to make people laugh and smile," Todd said.

Last year's No Pants Subway Ride in New York had more than 4,000 participants, he said. Todd said he believes the event there is a "rite of passage" for city residents.

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Four people were stabbed on New Year's Day in Northwest D.C.

Police say one woman and three men are believed to have been stabbed in the 2400 block of 18th Street NW but they ended up scattering to various locations, including Adams Mill Road and Chaplain Street NW.

Police say the initial call came in at 3:43 a.m. Wednesday.

The victims all have non-life threatening injuries, according to police.

Police are still trying to establish suspects and a motive.

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- A DC City Council member is calling for the resignation of the DC Taxicab Commission Chair, after he "defended racism," according to the Councilman.

During a Russ Ptacek investigation, Commission Chair Ron Linton told Ptacek that it's not racism when cab drivers choose not to pick up black passengers, "it's economics," Linton said. 

Council Member Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) said Linton's comments are unacceptable.

"There is a bright line here - calling it 'economic' is a defense of racism," said Wells. "It is disgusting and it has no place in our government. Ron Linton needs to go. Everybody should have equal access to taxis and transportation in our city regardless of their skin color or where they live," Wells said in a news release. 

Wells, who announced he is running for Mayor last month, is challenging current Mayor Vincent Gray to do something about Linton.