There were eye-popping scenes across central London on Sunday as the World Naked Bike Ride wound its way around the capital's landmarks. Hundreds of cyclists let it all hang loose in the sporting event, which aims to raise awareness of oil dependency and excess car usage.
Thankfully, there was no clash with the Trooping the Colour ceremony of the previous day, which saw thousands of Royal Watchers celebrate the King's official birthday.
An estimated 1,200 riders took part in the World Naked Bike Ride, which has been a fixture of London since 2004. In addition to its environmental credentials, the annual journey brings into stark focus the extreme vulnerability of cyclists on city roads.
Riders gathered at various meeting points throughout the city before converging into one group from Westminster Bridge. Organisers always share their plans with the Met Police in advance, including details of routes and instructions given to riders not to engage in inappropriate behaviour.
The World Naked Bike Ride was first held in Zaragoza, Spain, in 2003 and has since become a fixture in hundreds of cities across the world. It has been used as a campaign for other causes, including body positivity, safety for cyclists, and reducing car culture.
Despite the event’s purported good causes, it provoked a stream of criticism on social media. One user on X wrote: “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.”
A second person posted: “Walking down the Strand when about 1,000 mentally ill 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 perverts. 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.”
