The World Naked Bike Ride returns to Bristol city centre tomorrow Organisers have revealed the route nude cyclists intend to take around the city, as well as when and where they will set off from.
Hundreds of naked cyclists will ride around central Bristol tomorrow afternoon (June 18) in a campaign to improve cycle routes in Bristol, to encourage a reduction in car use, and oil dependency. The exercise is also a bid to raise awareness for the vulnerability of cyclists and the dangers they face on busy roads.
The organisation say more than 150 naked bike rides have been held in the UK since 58 people bravely attended the very first ride in 2004. The group advocate reducing reliance on cars by opting to take a bike for local trips instead.
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They say: "Well over 150 World Naked Bike Ride events have been staged in the UK, since the first ride in 2004 attracted 58 participants. Over those years, we reckon over 30,000 participants have protested oil dependency and car culture, and celebrated bikes and bodies.
"A peaceful, imaginative and fun protest against oil dependency and car culture," a statement from the organisation continues. They add the bikers make sure to let emergency vehicles through when needed.
The route is relatively flat and may cause some disruption on main roads while bikers are there. The group has also announced plans for a naked dance break in Castle Park, near the bandstand.
The statement went on: "A celebration of the bicycle and also a celebration of the power and individuality of the human body. A symbol of the vulnerability of the cyclist in traffic.
"The world's biggest naked protest: 50+ cities and thousands of riders participate worldwide, including around 3,000 in the UK each year.
"We're celebrate cycling, the human body, and diversity - and the start of Summer. The ride demonstrates the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is a protest against oil dependency. We are not stopping traffic: We are traffic!"
The route
Like last year, the riders will set off from the Full Moon and Attic Bar at 12.30pm. From there they will head on to the A38 and take The Horsefair towards Cabot Circus.
They will take Lower Castle Street before heading towards Castle Park and ride alongside the water, before heading towards Queen Square via Baldwin Street and Marsh Street.
After riding along The Grove, the assembled bikers will cross Pero's Bridge towards the aquarium before riding around Millenium Square car park. The route will take them along the harbour before winding up opposite the SS Great Britain.
After a 15-minute break, the group will head back towards the Full Moon and Attic Bar via Anchor Road and Baldwin Street. The map takes them back around Cabot Circus in the opposite direction, riding along the A4044 back towards the pub.
When
Sunday 18th June 2023, 11.30am - 4pm
- 11.30am - Riders arrive
- 12.30pm Full Moon Start
- 12.55pm Drums start
- 1.25pm Drums end
- 1.40pm Baldwin/Marsh midway point
- 2.30pm SS GB arrive
- 2.45pm SS GB leave
- 3.15pm Baldwin/Marsh midway point
- 4pm Full Moon Finish
Organisers say they are liaising with Avon and Somerset Police, and stewards will be positioned to keep everyone as safe as possible during the ride.
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