London’s 21st annual World Naked Bike Ride will take place tomorrow.
The clothing-optional event, part of a global initiative, will see participants cycle across the city to protest against car culture and oil dependency, and to celebrate body positivity.
The event, held annually since 2004, except for a pandemic-related cancellation in 2020, is expected to attract more than 1,000 riders this year.
The forecast is looking perfect for it – sunny and warm, with temperatures expected to reach around 25°C.
Riders are encouraged to be “bare as you dare,” although whacky costumes and decorations are also welcomed.
The event is free, with no sign-up required.
Participants just need to be at one of the eight start points – Clapham Junction, Croydon, Deptford, Hackney Wick, Kew Bridge, Regents Park, Tower Hill, and Wellington Arch – at the right time with a bike.
There is also a shorter, accessible option for those unable to complete the full ride.
The routes will merge into a large peloton.
The World Naked Bike Ride is described as a “peaceful protest” that intends to generate public interest and surprise other road users and spectators.
Participants are expected to uphold this philosophy and not behave inappropriately.
The ride is slated to begin in the afternoon, after the Trooping of the Colour celebrations in the morning.
The roads and crowds are expected to have cleared well before the bike ride begins.
A spokesperson for the World Naked Bike Ride said: “The ride aims to attract attention to its themes by being a fun spectacle.
“Riders do not block roads, or move slowly, or cause damage, or lock on to things, or climb up, or leave mess behind.
“It is a non-aggressive, lawful campaign.”
Participants are encouraged to watch the guidance video available on the World Naked Bike Ride London website.
The site also has blogs with practical advice on choosing a start point and general information about the ride.
The London Naked Bike Ride Collective has provided further details about the event on their website.
They emphasise that participants should not look like ordinary cyclists.
The police have placed restrictions on nudity at Wellington Arch due to the King’s Birthday and Trooping of the Colour celebrations.
The Metropolitan Police have requested that there be no nudity at Wellington Arch before 2pm.
The World Naked Bike Ride London security team will be on hand to advise and take action if necessary.
The ride will conclude with an after-party at Candid Arts in Torrens Street, lasting from 6pm to 11pm.
Some start points afford participants the opportunity to arrive early and socialise.
However, others are roadside with no opportunity to relax.
The “gather” time is the earliest participants can arrive.
The ride is expected to finish between 5.30pm and 6pm, but the time is difficult to predict due to potential crowds, diversions, and hold-ups.
An onward ride will head for the after-party venue and back to Clapham Junction for those who wish to continue the celebration.
The World Naked Bike Ride encourages respectful photography and filming of the event, reminding spectators not to focus attention on identifiable participants without their explicit or implicit consent.
Further information can be found on the World Naked Bike Ride London website.
