The World Naked Bike Ride is set to return to London this weekend, with cyclists baring all on the capital's streets. The London leg of the event has been held annually since 2004, with only one interruption due to the pandemic in 2020.
Purpose and Controversy
Drawing thousands of participants worldwide each year, the ride serves as a protest against car culture and oil dependency, while advocating for better cyclist safety on the roads. Last year, approximately 1,200 cyclists participated nude in London. However, the event has increasingly faced controversy, with concerns raised about safeguarding regarding nudity in public spaces.
When Is the World Naked Bike Ride in London?
The ride is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2026. Previously held on Saturdays, it has been moved to Sunday due to increased traffic, events, road closures, and the annual Trooping the Colour, which made the ride more challenging to coordinate.
Do You Need to Sign Up?
No formal sign-up is required. Organisers state that participants simply need to be at the right place at the right time with a bike. However, due to the nature of the event, it is recommended to read all provided information before taking part.
Start Points and Route
Cyclists converge into central London from nine starting points, merging into one group from Westminster Bridge onwards. The start points and times are as follows:
- Clapham Junction: Meeting at Grant Road, SW11 2NU. Gather at 2pm, ride at 2.15pm. No body paint station.
- Croydon: Meeting at 233 Shirley Church Road, CR0 5AB. Gather at 10.45am, assemble at 12.30pm, ride at 12.45pm. Body paint station available from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
- Deptford: Meeting at Piehouse Co-op, Arches 213 & 214, Edward St, SE8 5HD. Gather at 12pm, prepare to ride at 1.15pm, depart at 1.30pm. Body paint station available.
- Hackney Wick: Meeting at Thingy Cafe, 1 Trowbridge Rd, E9 5LD. Gather at 9am, ride at 1.15pm. Body paint station available from 10.30am to 11.30am and 12pm to 1pm.
- Kew Bridge: Meeting at north end of Kew Bridge near W4 3NQ. Gather at 12.45pm, ride at 1pm. No body paint station.
- Regents Park: Meeting at Outer Circle, near NW1 4NA. Gather at 2.05pm, ride at 2.20pm. No body paint station.
- Tower Hill: Meeting at Trinity Square Gardens, EC3N 4DJ. Gather at 1.15pm, ride at 2.15pm. No body paint station.
- Wellington Arch / Hyde Park Corner: Meeting at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner W1J 7JZ. Gather at 1.45pm, ride at 2.15pm. No body paint station.
- Accessible Option: For those with accessibility needs, meet near Forum Magnum Square, SE1 7GQ. Gather at 3pm, ride at 3.15pm. This route offers an easier pace.
An interactive map of start points is available on the World Naked Bike Ride website.
After the Ride
Riders make their own way home, and there is a clothing-optional afterparty at The Steel Yard, 13-16 Allhallows Lane, EC4R 3UE, from 6pm to 11pm. The event includes food, drink, entertainment, and life drawing taster sessions starting at 8pm.
Rules and Safety
The ride has behaviour rules and employs professional security personnel to ensure safety and legality. For more information, visit the official website.
