Hundreds take to London’s streets for World Naked Bike Ride (+video)

Hundreds of cyclists have taken to London’s streets in the buff today as the World Naked Bike Ride returned to the capital after a two-year absence, with the 2020 event held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Feeder rides from locations including Clapham Junction, Croydon, Deptford, Hyde Park, Kew Bridge, Regent’s Park, Tower Hill and Victoria Park converged in the city centre for the main event.

Rest point and merger. Nice warm sun for the ride! pic.twitter.com/qXCpkIPBDZ

— WNBR London (@WNBRLondon) August 14, 2021

The World Naked Bike Ride’s motto is to “Go as bare as you dare,” and while most participants did just that, others were more comfortable wearing at least some underwear.

Organisers also laid out guidelines on social distancing beforehand, and the usual afterparty did not take place.

“After 26 months, WNBR London finally rides again on Saturday for the London leg,” they said last month.

“Supporters have been clamouring for the ride to go ahead and, with the removal of the 30-person restriction, the ride is back on. #

“Despite the government’s removal of measures, the ride will have many adjustments to reduce the risks from Covid-19. In particular, we are shortening the stationary gatherings and have cancelled the afterparty.”

The ride is cleared in advance with the Metropolitan Police Service.

Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, in England public nudity is not illegal unless there is intent to cause alarm or distress to others – something that not everyone who sees it go past is aware of. EMBED

Omg - Hundreds of naked cyclists riding down Park Lane, London - Do you think the police should stop them? pic.twitter.com/BgbjlZ7tP5

— Paul Brown 🇬🇧 Browns fan🏈 London News 🎥Vlogger (@PaulBrown_UK) August 14, 2021

First held in Seattle in 2003, with the debut edition in London taking place the following year, the World Naked Bike Ride is now held in more than 120 cities around the world.

Its objectives are to:

Protest against the global dependency on oil

Curb car culture

Obtain real rights for cyclists

Demonstrate the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets

Celebrate body freedom.