This weekend, June 10, nudists will mount their bicycles to cycle through the streets of London.
Environmental activists will wear naked clothes as they parade through the capital to protest against car culture and dependence on oil.
In recent years, cyclists have been seen painting slogans such as “Burn fat, not oil,” “Less gas, more butt,” and “Energy is renude” on their backs.
There are often volunteer body painters at the starting points to help participants choose their slogans.
Although full nudity is optional and some people cycle in their underwear for reasons of modesty or comfort, many people strip completely naked to make a raw statement.
The organizers remind participants on their website not to undress before the start of the ride.
But is this spectacular event legal? Here’s everything you need to know:
What is the Naked Bike Ride?
It is a global event that will take place in London and other major cities around the world.
Organizers are planning the annual event, which has been held since 2004, and say they are doing so to promote a “cleaner environment, safer streets, healthier lifestyles and better attitudes.”
The ride is intended to raise awareness of issues affecting the world. Participants say nudity demonstrates their vulnerability while protesting car culture.
Participants also want to:
The organisers explain: “This is a popular, peaceful, legal and public protest on the streets of London. However, parental supervision is recommended to ensure the positive purpose of the ride is understood and well received.”
Is the event legal?
In short: absolutely yes.
Although you might think that it is illegal to be naked in public in front of others, this is actually not the case.
Under British law, there is no general ban on public nudity in England.
In fact, nudity is only illegal if it is “intentionally used to harass, alarm, or cause distress.” If that is not the case, it is perfectly legal to be completely naked.
Because the London Naked Bike Ride is a nude protest, it is not illegal and organisers say they pride themselves on working closely with police before, during and after the ride.
Organizers ask participants to remain naked throughout the ride and only undress when they get on their bikes.
How can I watch or participate?
The World Naked Bike Ride London 2023 is free to enter and winds through Clapham Junction, Croydon, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Tower Hill.
You can start at any starting point along the route.
Here is an overview of all starting points:
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Clapham Junction: Meet, 2:30pm, Depart, Grant Road SW11 2NU
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Croydon: Meet at 11am, depart at 1pm, 233 Shirley Church Rd CR0 5AB
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Deptford: Meet at 12pm, depart at 2pm, Matchstick Piehouse SE8 5HD
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Kew Bridge, 1.15pm meeting, 1.30pm departure, north end of Kew Bridge W4 3NQ
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Regents Park: Meet at 2:35pm, depart at 2:50pm, Outer Circle, near NW1 4NA
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Tower Hill: 1.45pm meet; 2.45pm depart; Trinity Square Gardens EC3N 4DJ
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Victoria Park: Meet at 11am, depart at 1.30pm, near Bonner Gate / Dogs of Alcibiades E2 9JW
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Wellington Arch, 2:15pm meet; 2:45pm depart; Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner W1J 7JZ
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Accessible start point: Meet at 3:45pm, depart at 4pm, near Waterloo, Belvedere Rd SE1 7GQ
For more information on how to participate or watch, visit the official website here.
