If you can’t bear the thought of public nudity, consider this a public service announcement. But if you’ve always fancied taking a bike ride in the buff, your chance arrives with the World Naked Bike Ride, hitting London this weekend (Saturday, June 14). Yes, dear friends, it is VERY much a thing, and it is VERY much happening (VERY) soon.
Every summer (except for 2020, when pandemic-related concerns prompted a cancellation), this naked revolution takes to the streets. But it’s no mere senseless bike ride in the buff. These folks are cycling in the nude for a cause! Cyclists strip down and take to the road to protest car culture and global oil dependency, and fight for cyclists’ rights whilst simultaneously promoting body positivity. They’re not just getting naked for the sake of it. It’s all for a serious cause – despite the incessant giggling it tends to provoke.
The cause gets a little more pressing each year, as London continues to suffer from unclean air, and the global climate crisis gets a little worse, exacerbated by our reliance on cars and fossil fuels. In 2025, the World Naked Bike Ride will start from nine meeting points across the city – offering short rides, longer jaunts, and an accessible route – and converge in central London. In fact, when they’re all together on the approach to Wellington Arch, the convoy will stretch to a glorious 4km peloton of nakedness.
I don’t even want to think about the chafing this is going to result in, to be honest. The World Naked Bike Ride will eventually make its extremely nudey point across 65km of congested and polluted roads, as well as fourteen bridges. Don’t expect any inclement British weather to put them off, either – I’d imagine cycling naked through the rain is extra freeing!
It’s free to join in and, while nudity is encouraged, you’re welcome to take part wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable, so expect lashings of body paint and props aplenty. (You are, however, asked not to strip off until you get to the rendezvous point!)
Where does the London World Naked Bike Ride start?
- Clapham Junction – Grant Road, SW11 2NU – arrive at 2:30pm for a 2:45pm ride.
- Croydon – 233 Shirley Church Road, CR0 5AB – arrive at 11am for a 1pm ride (this is the longest route available, just FYI).
- Deptford – Piehouse Co-op, Arches 213 & 214, Edward St, SE8 5HD – arrive at 12pm for a 2pm ride.
- Hackney Wick – Thingy Cafe, 1 Trowbridge Road, E9 5LD – arrive at 9am for a 1:45pm ride
- Kew Bridge – North end of Kew Bridge, near W4 3NQ – arrive at 1:15pm for a 1:30pm ride.
- Regent’s Park – Outer Circle, near NW1 4NA – arrive at 2:35pm for a 2:50pm ride.
- Tower Hill – Trinity Square Gardens, EC3N 4DJ – arrive at 1:45pm for a 2:45pm ride.
- Wellington Arch (by Hyde Park Corner) – Apsley Way, London W1J 7JZ – arrive at 2:15pm for a 2:45pm ride.
- Accessible option – SE1 7GQ – arrive at 3:15pm for a 3:45pm ride.
Note that the times listed are the earliest people should arrive, as some have early starts to gather for pre-ride socialising (such as the Thingy Café in Hackney Wick). The ride is slated for completion at around 5:30pm – 6pm.
If you’re aiming to take part, do follow the World Naked Bike Ride Facebook page for last-minute updates, lest you end up naked, alone and feeling very awkward…
Find out more about the World Naked Bike Ride (which takes place on June 14) and donate to the cause via their website.