A violent attack on a participant of the World Naked Bike Ride in Essex has ignited a fierce public debate, with campaigners now demanding the event be banned across Britain.
The Assault and Its Aftermath
On August 9 in Colchester, Essex, Robert Brown was cycling completely naked except for a helmet as part of the World Naked Bike Ride. Lee Turnage, a 46-year-old council binman, drove up behind him on a motorbike, drew level, and delivered a punch that sent Brown crashing to the pavement. Footage released by the Crown Prosecution Service captured the shocking moment of the assault.
Turnage's lawyer later told Ipswich Crown Court that his client had 'reacted very badly to what he thought of - to use the vernacular - as perverts cycling naked in a residential area.' Unbeknownst to Turnage, the riders were participating in an organised global event. Last week, Turnage avoided jail and was handed a 14-month sentence, suspended for two years, for assaulting Mr Brown and attacking two police officers who arrested him at a pub.
Campaigners Demand Ban Over Safety Fears
The incident has renewed calls from critics to cancel the World Naked Bike Ride over safety concerns. Emma-Jane Taylor, who founded the Not My Shame social media movement and started the campaign against the ride, told the Mail she fears more violent incidents will occur if the event continues.
'I do not condone violence but I believe there will be more of these incidents,' Ms Taylor stated. She expressed frustration that authorities are not taking child protection concerns seriously and has launched a petition to stop the naked ride, declaring it has 'creeped easily and slowly into society' and now 'needs to creep out quickly.'
Riders Defend Their Right to Protest
Organisers and participants of the World Naked Bike Ride defend the event, stating it is a legitimate protest against car culture, a demand for safer cycling conditions, and a highlight of environmental concerns like oil dependence and climate change. They also advocate for a more body-positive world.
The cyclists assert that the ride does not breach the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which states that public nudity is not an offence as long as it is not done with the intent to cause alarm, harassment, or distress.
The debate reached Nick Ferrari's LBC show, where listeners shared contrasting views. Lloyd from Hackney, a regular participant, said, 'It just feels natural, there is nothing more natural than being naked.' Meanwhile, Reform MP Lee Anderson criticised the events, telling the Daily Mail that police cannot ignore 'flashers on bikes' and that 'our streets have become a freak show.'
In a victim impact statement, Robert Brown described the lasting physical and emotional toll of the attack, detailing ongoing pain, mobility issues, and the strain on his friendships as they have turned into caregiving roles.
