Tourists walking around London today might be in for a shock as more than 1,000 cyclists will ride around the capital naked. The World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) is being held in London today, an event that has graced the city every year since 2004. Despite calls for a ban, organisers and participants insist it is a peaceful, legal public protest with a serious focus. Here is everything you need to know about the eye-catching spectacle.
What is the World Naked Bike Ride?
There are more than 10,000 naked cycle ride events held every year worldwide. The WNBR is a protest against car culture and other linked themes. Participants demonstrate against the global dependency on oil while also celebrating body freedom. Last year, more than 1,200 people took part in London's naked bike ride. The event has been moved to a Sunday rather than a Saturday to avoid traffic and protests surrounding Trooping the Colour.
Where and when does the London Naked Bike Ride start?
You do not need to sign up or pay to participate in the WNBR. Naked bikers simply need to turn up at the right time and location. There are several meeting points across the capital where riders can gather:
- Clapham Junction, Grant Road, SW11 2NU – meet at 14:00, depart at 14:15
- Croydon, 233 Shirley Church Road, CR0 5AB – meet at 10:45, depart at 12:45
- Deptford, Piehouse Co-op, Arches 213&214, Edward St, SE8 5HD – meet at 12:00, depart at 13:30
- Hackney Wick, Thingy Cafe, 1 Trowbridge Rd, E9 5LD – meet at 09:00, depart at 13:30
- Kew Bridge, North end of Kew Bridge near W4 3NQ – meet at 12:45, depart at 13:00
- Regents Park, Outer Circle, near NW1 4NA – meet at 14:05, depart at 14:20
- Tower Hill, Trinity Square Gardens, EC3N 4DJ – meet at 13:15, depart at 14:15
- Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner, W1J 7JZ – meet at 13:45, depart at 14:15
- Accessible Option at Leake St, SE1 7NN – meet at 15:00, depart at 15:15
The AfterParty will be held at The Steel Yard, 13-16 Allhallows Lane, EC4R 3UE, from 18:00 to 23:00.
