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Ever dreamed of gallivanting through London in the nip? You're in luck. In June, London is going to be graced by not one, not two, but nine naked bike rides. And for those of us itching to strip down to our birthday suits, World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR), which organises the event, has just released the routes.
When is the London Naked Bike Ride happening this year?
The 2023 World Naked Bike Ride London is happening on Saturday, June 10. All official details are here. It's a chance for cyclists to raise awareness of bike safety, the environmental impact of cars, and, of course, the gloriously freeing joys of being nude.
Okay, fine. Where’s all the action starting?
There will be starting points in nine different London locations. For the hardiest cyclists, the longest route at just over 20 miles kicks off in Croydon. The pants-free fun starts from 11am at 233 Shirley Church Road, and cyclists can arrive early to eat sandwiches, paint their bodies or simply bask in their naked glory.
The shortest ride is seven and a half miles, starting from Regent’s Park Outer Circle at 2.50pm. You can also join from Kew Bridge, Deptford, Tower Hill and Victoria Park, and there’s an accessible route for cyclists who are less able to complete the entire circuit.
How can I get involved?
Just turn up, strip off, and get your bike out: contrary to popular belief, there's no law against being naked in public in the UK, so you're not going to get arrested. This event is a protest as well as a fun day out, so most riders will daub themselves with slogans asking for better rights for cyclists, and for action on climate change: World Naked Bike Ride has some printable signs to download. Just don't forget to keep your shoes on, because you'll need to them to make a safe stop.
I need all the times and starting points, please
Here are the nine starting points on Saturday:
Croydon, 233 Shirley Church Rd, CR0 5AB. Assemble 11am, ride starts 1pm
Victoria Park, Bonner Gate, E2 9JW. Assemble 11am, ride starts 1.30pm
Deptford, Matchstick Piehouse, SE8 5HD. Assemble noon, ride starts 2pm
Kew Bridge, North end of Kew Bridge, W4 3NQ. Assemble 1.15pm, ride starts 1.30pm
Tower Hill, Trinity Square Gardens, EC3N 4DJ. Assemble 1.45pm, ride starts 2.45pm
Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner, W1J 7JZ. Assemble 2.15pm, ride starts 2.45pm
Clapham Junction, Grant Rd, SW11 2NU. Assemble 2.30pm, ride starts 2.45pm
Regent’s Park, Outer Circle, near NW1 4NA. Assemble 2.35pm, ride starts 2.50pm
Accessible Option, Near Waterloo (details TBC). Assemble 3.45pm, ride starts 4pm
What happens after that, then?
All the routes will eventually merge at Westminster Bridge for the central London finale, making up a spectacular 1,000-plus rider naked peloton. It will certainly be a sight to behold.
The ride is planned to finish between 5pm and 6.30pm, and nudies are welcome to follow the route back to Angel for a clothing-optional afterparty. Instead of the usual barbecue, this year it’s taking over a nightclub.
For more information, updates and full details of all start times and locations, visit WNBR’s website.