While Portland, Oregon has regular nude cycling events, the UK seems less accustomed to it. This one led to jail time.
The roof of a police patrol car at night, with the blue and red lights flashing. (Photo: kali9)
Updated November 20, 2025 06:20PM
A man who punched a nude cyclist partaking in a World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) event in England has been sentenced to a suspended jail sentence, as reported by British tabloid Metro.
On August 9, part-time garbageman Lee Turnage, 46, came across multiple naked cyclists in Colchester, Essex, and reportedly thought they were “perverts” for riding through a residential area in the buff. Turnage sped past the group on a motorcycle, punching one in the head and sending him to the ground.
The victim avoided a hitting his head but came away with many other injuries including cuts to his legs and scrapes to his hands and arms. Effects from the crash have persisted for the victim, who still experiences leg pain and reduced mobility as a result of the incident.
Turnage sped off but was later caught in a pub by police. But he didn’t give up easily, fighting the officers which resulted in one needing to seek medical attention for a torn ear.
Turnage admitted to one charge each of dangerous driving, driving without insurance, criminal damage, assaulting a police officer, and two charges of actual bodily harm. He received a 14-month prison sentence that is suspended for two years, and must undergo 15 rehabilitation days, perform 75 hours of unpaid work, and pay £2,000 in compensation to the cyclist. In addition, Turnage has lost his license and is required to pay an additional £200 fine.
The suspended jail sentence is on account of “his previous good character and caring responsibilities for his grandmother,” reports Metro.