Cycling News

Nude cycling: no seams to rub makes it more comfy than you'd think

That's according to the organiser of Brighton's World Naked Bike Ride on 10th June. The bohemian Brighton ride will take place in the morning, allowing participants to also take part in the London event in the afternoon if they travel (clothed...) by train or car.

On Saturday 10th June, in over 40 cities worldwide, people will be riding bikes naked to celebrate cycling and the human body. Ride organisers promise "a surreal sight for sore eyes."

The World Naked Bike Ride is also staged to demonstrate the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is a protest against oil dependency. Cyclists are encouraged to ride "as bare as you dare".

The Brighton ride will take place in the morning, allowing participants to also take part in the London event in the afternoon.

Joining the fully nude contingent, some riders in London last year wore shorts, bras, swimwear, body paint, wigs, and sunglasses.

In Australia, the local authorities impose no dress restrictions, except for enforcing, a-hem, mandatory helmet wearing.

Nick Sayers, coordinator of the Brighton and Hove ride, said: "The most frequently asked question is, 'isn't riding naked uncomfortable?' Surprisingly, for both women and men, riding naked isn't really less comfortable than riding clothed. When riding with clothes, you're often rubbing against seams, so in some ways naked cycling is comfier."

The event doesn't raise the hackles of motorists in the same way as fully-clothed Critical Mass rides, said Sayer:

"At other bike protests, bystanders and drivers are often annoyed at the sight of cyclists 'blocking the traffic' - despite the fact they're actively cutting congestion and fuel consumption. What's amazing about the World Naked Bike Ride is seeing people smiling along the route. You feel like a celebrity! When confronted with naked protesters stopping cars in city centres, instead of angrily beeping horns, drivers stop and gawp in amazement. It's a jaw-dropping wake up call for environmental responsibility."

The World Naked Bike Ride grew out of Manifestatión Ciclonudista in Spain, which has been organising naked protest rides against car culture since 2001.

In 2005, more than 35 cities participated in WNBR, up from 25 in 2004. 250 people rode in London last year, up from 60 in 2004.

http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org

Published Saturday 3 June 2006