World Naked Bike Ride reaches London: “The finish area will not be a venue for prolonged naked socialising”
Get ready to avert your eyes: London is going to be overrun with naked cyclists tomorrow as the World Naked Bike Ride reaches the UK capital.
The annual event is expected to cause disruption throughout London's roads – it is aimed at raising awareness of the safety of cyclists, an issue which is close to the hearts of everyone who uses two wheels to get around the city.
Cyclists will be setting off from six start points across London, including Hyde Park, Regents Park, Kings Cross, Clapham Junction, West Norwood and Tower Hill.
The northern routes will merge at Piccadilly Circus, while the southern points will merge at Vauxhall Bridge. Everyone will then meet at Westminster Bridge to continue to the last leg of the nine-mile route, finishing at Wellington Arch.
Organisers have asked participants to wear clothes before and after the ride. The event page says: “Do not undress until just before the protest moves off, as this will undermine our positive relationship with the authorities.
“There is no law against nudity in Britain, but please don't exercise your right to nudity in London before the ride, as it will impact on our ability to make arrangements with police.
“Feel free to undress in the UK at any other time of the year, as this will not have any impact on the WNBR.”
They also advise that people get dressed quickly at the other end.
"The finish area will not be a venue for prolonged naked socialising," it said. “So when you've found your friends, taken your photographs and celebrated the highlights of the ride, please get dressed and move on to continue your celebrations elsewhere. In particular, please note that playing games, such as Frisbee or ball games, in the finish area is not allowed.”
There are six start points for this year's ride:
Hyde Park, 14:30 assembly, 15:00 departure, North Carriage Drive, nearest post code: W1H 7EL
Regents Park, 14:30 assembly, 15:00 departure, Cumberland Green, nearest post code: NW1 4HA
Kings Cross, 14:30 assembly, 15:00 departure, Granary Square, N1C 4AA
Clapham Junction, 14:45 assembly, 15:00 departure, Grant Road, SW11 2NU
West Norwood, 12:00 assembly, 14:30 departure, Knights Hill, SE27 0JD
Tower Hill, 14:30 assembly, 15:00 departure, Tower Hill, EC3N 4DJ