Cyclists stripped off for the 15th annual World Naked Bike Ride riding though Clapham to curb car culture and promote bike safety on June 9.
Around 1,300 people dared to bare all to campaign against world’s dependency on oil and inspire more people to cycle as an alternative commute method.
The no-clothes theme represents cyclists’ vulnerability in large towns and cities, including celebrating the human body shapes and sizes whilst encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
Social media assistant Cy Wol said: “It’s like being in some great street party, it’s got a similar vibe where there’s lots of happy people, music and sounds of cheering and waving from spectators.
“However, I think you need to be cautious about it not being just a fun day out because it does have serious points too which is why it’s there.”
Cyclists had the choice of six starting points, including Tower Hill, Kew Bridge, Clapham Junction, West Norwood, Marble Arch and Regents Park.
Depending on which route, pedlars on average covered nine miles across the capital, many of whom opting to use self-hire bicycles for the day.
On what he hopes will result by continuing the event across the world, Clapham Junction’s marshall Mike Grenfill said: “It’s a huge validation of public perception around nudity because there are many issues around body image.
“Since 2003 the law in England Wales changed so it’s actually legal now to be naked in public as long as you don’t intend to cause alarm or distress.
“It’s still an unusual thing to see a naked person in public and it attracts attention.”
Despite several shocked reactions from passers-by crowds cheered the colourful display of nudists coated in self-painted slogans including ‘ride bare for clean air’.
The groups then merged together at Westminster Bridge to peacefully pass through Trafalgar Square amidst the Free Tommy Robinson protest also taking place that afternoon.
Bikers concluded their ride by heading up The Mall waving past Buckingham Palace to wish The Queen a happy birthday, finishing outside Hyde Park Corner.
Several veteran participants had returned to continue highlighting these concerns and take part in the ride which many described as ‘a carnival on wheels’.
A 49-year-old writer from Wimbledon, said: “I have had too many near misses on my bike and today is an opportunity to turn the wheels and show how vulnerable cyclists are.”
Lisa Feeney, 36, from Limehouse, completed her fourth London ride explained her reasons for taking part, saying: “I’m hugely into bicycle culture and I do believe that the bicycle convention saves civilisation.
She added: “The principle behind the Naked Bike Ride is go as bare as you dare, so a lot of people still had bikinis on. Anyone who wants to join in is welcome.”
World Naked Bike Ride is a free event run by volunteers with 124 global locations to cycle throughout the year, visit wnbr.london for more information.
