London Naked Bike Ride sees record 1,200 cycle nude through the capital
More than 1,000 cyclists created a “lovely atmosphere” as they rode in the nude through the capital on the 20th World Naked Bike Ride London.
A record 1,200 riders took part on Saturday in the annual event which celebrates body positivity and aims to lobby against dependence on cars.
David Selkirk, one of the organisers, said the event gets busier every year and praised those who enjoyed the balmy temperatures by having a naked cycle.
He told the Standard: “More and more people hear about it, there was a shock factor and now if we go past they know of the event.
“The more and more people who see it, the more they want to get involved
“You can now blend in very easily
“It’s a nice experience.”
Riders gather at various points around London and make their way into the centre of the city along different routes before joining together.
Many of the riders are naked although there is no dress code. It is also completely free and no registration was required of riders.
Mr Selkirk added: “Everybody takes different things from it. The main aspect is body positivity and raising awareness as well as curbing car culture and stopping oil dependency
“The first time is a daunting thing but it very quickly becomes normal.”
He said that 99 per cent of the response had been positive although there is usually the odd “negative” slur shouted.
The approach, he added, is to “ignore and keep going”.
“It’s a male dominated crowd but we are getting more women, which is great, and it’s right across the age groups. The event is for over 18s to 85 year olds. A good age mix.”
There was also an after party at Phantom Peak in Surrey Quay with nudity allowed and naked cabaret performances put on.
“It was, as ever, a lovely atmosphere,” Mr Selkirk said.