Thousands of cyclists are set to strip down for a wild afterparty following London’s naked bike ride.
The World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) event is set to take place in London on June 14, and will see riders start at various locations across the capital before coming together for an afterparty at Candid Arts in Islington.
The event, which is part of a worldwide initiative across more than 200 cities in 35 countries, is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year.
The fun and legal event promotes a cleaner environment, safer roads, healthier lifestyles, and better attitudes.
It aims to protest against the global dependency on oil, curb car culture, obtain real rights for cyclists, demonstrate the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets, and celebrate body freedom.
The ride will commence from various start points including Clapham Junction, Croydon, Deptford, Hackney Wick, Kew Bridge, Regents Park, Tower Hill, and Wellington Arch.
There is also an accessible option for those less able to complete the full ride.
The routes will merge into a 1,000-plus rider peloton, with participants expected to complete the ride around 5.30pm to 6pm.
The afterparty at Candid Arts will begin at 6pm, providing participants with the opportunity to mingle, enjoy food and drink, and take a well-deserved rest.
Early birds can also partake in a life drawing taster session upstairs, either as a model or an artist.
The main entertainment will kick off at 8pm, featuring performances from Queera Lynn, Enrico Touché, and Miss Giddy Heights.
The afterparty is open to everyone over 18, including riders, friends, family, and the general public.
It will be in keeping with WNBR norms, meaning it will be clothing-optional.
However, attendees are asked to respect others’ personal choices and preferences, with security on hand to remove anyone behaving inappropriately.
The event will follow the annual Trooping of the Colour festivities in the morning, with the Metropolitan Police requesting that there be no nudity at Wellington Arch before 2pm due to the preceding celebrations.
The Thingy Café in Hackney Wick, last year’s successful new start point, will open from 9am on the day of the ride for clothing-optional socialising, flag-making, food, drink, and toilet facilities.
Participants are encouraged to watch the guidance video and read the relevant information on the WNBR London website to prepare for the day.
The website also provides more detailed information about the ride and the WNBR London Collective.
The WNBR London event is part of a global movement that includes around 20 rides in the UK alone.
The initiative is free and aims to make the world a better place for everyone.
Since its launch in 2004, the WNBR London has grown in popularity, with riders taking to the streets of the capital each year in June.
The event was only cancelled once in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The movement’s objectives focus on raising awareness for various causes, including protesting against the global dependency on oil, reducing car culture, securing real rights for cyclists, highlighting the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets, and celebrating body freedom.
The WNBR initiative continues to be a popular and successful worldwide event, with London being one of the key cities involved.
As the 21st anniversary approaches, organisers are hopeful for another successful year, with thousands expected to participate and support the cause.
