Two opposing protest groups had their attentions diverted by a smiling group of nude cyclists in a bizarrely Bristol moment this afternoon. The naked or half-dressed riders were taking part in the World Naked Bike Ride, which took them on a tour of the city as they rode to raise awareness of the dangers and vulnerability cyclists face.
They started off at 12.30pm today (Sunday, June 19) from the aptly-named meeting point of the Full Moon pub on Stokes Croft, riding along busy routes including Bond Street, Hotwell Road, along the harbourside and on the Bearpit. They stopped for naked dancing to drums at the Castle Park bandstand at one point before resuming their journey.
The naked bike rides have been happening since 2004, although there have not been any since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and they now take place in over 50 cities with thousands of people getting involved. Today's bike ride is also part of a campaign against oil dependency.
