Cyclists will bare all on London’s streets again this summer as the World Naked Bike Ride rolls back into the capital.
The London leg of the event, which has run annually since 2004 — interrupted only by the pandemic in 2020 — is set to take place on Sunday, June 14.
Drawing thousands of participants worldwide each year, the ride is described as a protest against car culture, oil dependency, and a call for better safety for cyclists on the roads.
But while the event encourages body positivity, it has faced backlash, particularly in recent years following an incident at the WNBR Essex event, where a rider was punched off his bike by a man who reportedly believed ‘perverts’ were cycling through a residential area.
Organisers of the London ride say this year’s route will avoid both Hyde Park and Victoria Park, as they do not have permission from the Royal Parks. They also claim Tower Hamlets officials warned there was a risk of violence if the event passed through Victoria Park.
Criticism has also come from campaigner Emma Jane Taylor, who argues the event operates without adequate safeguarding. She has launched a petition calling for the event to be banned to protect children from involuntary exposure to adult nudity.
However, supporters of the ride strongly reject those concerns, with one defender describing the criticism as a “textbook case of moral panic”, driven by fear rather than evidence, and said there is “no evidence that children are harmed by nonsexual nudity”.
Organisers say the event does not breach the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which states that public nudity is not an offence as long as it is not carried out with the intent to cause alarm, harassment, or distress.
“The ride aims to attract attention to its themes by being a fun spectacle. Riders do not block roads, or move slowly, or ride dangerously, or cause damage, or lock on to things, or climb up buildings, or leave mess behind, or confront other people,” they said.
“It is a non-aggressive, lawful, campaign. Extensive route and organisational details are shared with the Police, who advise on potential conflicting activities.”
The event has also employed its own security team for several years to help ensure the safety of both cyclists and the general public.
Traditionally, the Naked Bike Ride has taken place on a Saturday, but organisers say the capital has become increasingly busy, with roadworks, closures, protests, counter-protests and crowds attending Trooping of the Colour, making Sunday a “better time” for the ride this year.
Riders will gather at starting points across the city, including Clapham Junction, Croydon, Deptford, Hackney Wick, Kew Bridge, Regent’s Park, Tower Hill, and Wellington Arch.
There is also an accessible, shorter option for riders who are less able to do the full ride.
The routes will then merge into a 1,000+ rider peloton from Westminster Bridge onwards.
Anyone with a bicycle is welcome to participate in the event for free, so long as they support the objectives of the World Naked Bike Ride, organisers say.
Riders simply need to turn up at the right place at the right time with a bike to ride. There is no need to register, although participants can register in advance via one of their Facebook events if they wish to.
While it is a ‘naked bike ride’ and clothing is optional, riders are advised to wear shoes for safety. Participants are also asked not to undress before the official start or spend an unnecessarily long time getting dressed again at the end.
The protest has a carnival-like atmosphere, with riders encouraged to decorate themselves with colourful patterns and slogans, fly flags, and even wear fancy dress.
Some starting locations give riders the chance to arrive early and socialise, organisers say, while others are roadside only so people cannot linger.
Finishing times are difficult to predict due to crowds, diversions and potential delays, though organisers aim to complete the ride between 17.00 and 17.30.
Afterwards, onward rides will head to the afterparty venue and back towards Clapham Junction.
More information about the event can be found at https://wnbrlondon.uk/.
A Royal Parks spokesperson said: “The organisers of the World Naked Bike Ride have not approached us to request permission for this year’s event.
“In recent years, it has not been possible for the event to take place in Hyde Park because the proposed date has coincided with a major event, which raises capacity and health and safety considerations."
Tower Hamlets Council has been contacted by The Standard for comment.
