Thousands of nude cyclists got their kit off for London’s World Naked Bike Ride as they toured the capital in nothing but their birthday suits.
Despite facing calls for the event to be banned, starkers bikers teamed up to peddle without their pants in what they claim is a peaceful, legal public protest and also carries a serious message. The raunchy race says it aims to raise awareness of oil dependency, excess car usage and highlight body positivity.
And there was certainly a lot of body parts on show as tourists and shoppers knew exactly where – and where not – to look.
Riders gathered at several meeting points before converging at Westminster Bridge to form a singular swarm of nakedness. However many Londoners weren’t happy as the cheeky event disrupted their travel plans.
One ranted on X: “The naked cycle or the naked bike ride in London is so messed up. You know some of them are getting off being naked in public. We didn’t consent to seeing old cocks and vaginas on our streets.”
Another wrote : “Walking down the Strand when about 1,000 people naked riding bikes – mostly middle aged men. One absolute weapon in his 60s wearing a crown walking down the road with his tiny todger out.”
A third added: “Bus was held up for ages by vast horde of naked cycling. Immediate observations; it’s never, never the ones you’d want, it’s always ‘for charity’ or a protest but clearly these people are exhibitionists, [and] stop stripping off in front of children for the love of God.”
A spokesman for World Naked Bike Ride said: “Our body positivity/body acceptance theme is all about having a sensible attitude to the human body instead of suffering from the angst of body image and peer pressure for abnormal sexual activity.” He added: “We all have bodies, we are all different, and that’s OK.”