Hundreds of cyclists went as bare as they dared for the annual Naked Bike Ride through Brighton.
Those taking part in the annual event set off from Preston Park and made their way to the nude bathing beach in Madeira Drive via Hove Lawns.
The organisers said that they aimed to raise awareness of their message that “fossil fuels continue to be the greatest threat to the planet and all life, including humans”.
They said: “Cycling is the most efficient form of human-powered transport and burns fat not petrol, gas, diesel or even carbon dense electrical power.
“Realisation is dawning that electric cars offer very little gain in carbon release during their manufacture and charging, some taking over 10 years to show any balance in the pollution and climate change caused.
“The riders are celebrating the freedom of cycling naked – and their body paint, decorations and slogans are a highlight of the city’s year.
“Celebrate body positivity with them, affirming that we are all beautiful in our skin when not hidden by status symbol fashion clothing, itself a massive user of water and source of carbon dioxide.
“And remind everyone that we are all vulnerable on the roads as confirmed by the recent reminders in the newest changes to the highway code.”
The organisers said beforehand: “The ride is not circular so you’ll need to take your clothes with you!
“The ride is family friendly. Under 16s may ride clothed and in the care of a responsible adult.
“All forms of cycle are welcome including adapted machines and legal electric bikes.
“The ride organisers are grateful for the support given by Sussex Police.”
Not everyone is a fan of the event. To read an opinion piece from 2018 by journalist and campaigner Jean Calder, click here.
Why aren’t they prosecuted?
Because they aren’t breaking any laws?
They are breaking laws. It’s illegal to wonder around naked. If an individual did it they’d be arrested. Especially in front of children. Under 16’s can be with an adult, unbelievable.
It is quite legal. It’s not an offence to be naked in public in England and Wales but it does become an offence if it can be proved the person stripped off with the intention to upset and shock. The complainant has to prove this. So legal unless you want to bring a private prosecution…and then very complex to prove. Good luck.
No they are not breaking the law. See the attached or Google it. “It’s not an offence to be naked in public in England and Wales but it does become an offence if it can be proved the person stripped off with the intention to upset and shock. The complainant has to prove this.“
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-33092812.amp
Stupid law then.
Oh so we can all go round the city on a bike naked then can we?
So long as you don’t intend to upset and shock people, then yes you can.
Attention seekers bike ride
Yes that is literally the point. They are seeking the attention of their causes!
The planet is saved, thanks naked bike riders.
The fact it’s made people talk about their causes means that it has had some impact..
Earth saved by mooning…
Exhibitionists!
The mini Willy parade🤣🤣
Bum scare bet they had a willy good time
I am so tired and sick actually of people who still think in 2024 that it is fine, because legal, for men to show their penis in public and expose kids. This is pure normalised sexual violence. You pretend to care about the planet and not even able to protect kids.
My 6 years old daughter and her friends went for a walk on the beach today and they found themselves in the middle of naked men. Not just on bikes but walking with them. If you read this and think it’s normal, you’re a problem, and really, the planet doesn’t need you.
Dear Ann,
The male human body is not in itself sexually violent. It is no more unnatural or aggressive than the naked female form. It is a shame you are fearful of half the world’s population just because they have a penis even though they have done nothing to you other than exist. It’s just a body part, in the same way breasts and the vagina. It’s just body parts.
You are the problem here Ann, we should normalise not feeling ashamed of being human.
It’s also natural for humans to defecate. It’s just an everyday bodily function. They also do that on the pavement. We should normalise not feeling ashamed of being human.
Yes Wendy, you do you, and keep living in LalaHappyWillyLand.
Dear Ann,
Finland’s sauna culture respectfully disagrees.
Nudity is not offensive, sexual violence is.
Hey Dave, if I’m sexist not mentioning boys, what does that make you assuming that my daughter’s friends were all girls?
And it’s bigoted not biggoted. Obviously caring about kids’ rights to not be exposed to adult penises is an abomination for you Dave. Keep counting penises, just not in front of children. Thanks
Cyclists need their wrist exerciser detrousered and close to hand so we all know what they are.
It’s just wrong that children are exposed to this perversion.
Well ann, as nobody had an erection I think your probably talking total waffle, speaking of waffles, you point out that young girls are harmed by seeing naked men but no mention of boys seeing beef curtains and the affect that may have. That’s because there won’t be any affect other than mild curiosity. So Ann, sounds like your not only biggoted but also sexist. Congratulations
Bunch of exhibitionist doing absolutely nothing
Hope they kept to the prescribed cycle lanes
That’s the point, Ken. There just ain’t anywhere near enough cycle lanes .
Thanks for the link to Ms Calder’s article. The thinly veiled suggestion that there might be a darker purpose behind a naked bike ride is reminiscent of the Daily Mail in the days of Section 28, where anyone or anything that slightly deviates from the norm should be distrusted at best and ideally banned. It is astonishing how many people seem to immediately associate nudity with sex. These regressive attitudes belong in the 1950s or earlier. We are all born naked, unless perhaps Ms Calder was born wearing a top hat and bow tie?
Twin set and pearls more like.
Well at least they weren’t riding down the pavement or going through traffic lights on red or were they?
If the aim is to bring cycling into disrepute, it’s succeeding.
I wonder how many Beryl bikes needed decontaminating after.
I just worry about the amount of skids on saddles tbh