Daring cyclists strip off for World Naked Bike Ride to protest car culture & oil dependency

HUNDREDS of naked cyclists pedalled through the streets of London yesterday in protest against car culture and oil dependency.

Participating in the London leg of the World Naked Bike Ride, the cyclists bared all as they cycled by landmarks including Piccadilly Circus and Big Ben.

The cyclists of all ages set off from six different points across the city before converging at Wellington Arch by Hyde Park Corner.

Some got creative with the birthday-suit dress code, decorating themselves in paint.

Though seemingly frivolous at face-value, there is a serious message behind the nudity, which is meant to show the vulnerability of cyclists on roads.

The event, which has taken place in London since 2004, also protests humankind’s dependency on cars.

Participants at this year’s protest were asked to keep their kits on until just before the protest was due to start for fears any unplanned nudity would upset relations with the Metropolitan Police.

A statement on the demonstration’s website read: “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.”

“Make sure they are secured though. You don't want to be the person who lost their clothes on the ride or the one whose friends decided the ride was taking too long, they had better things to do and went home with your clothes.”

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