It’s an event to ‘draw attention to the vulnerability of cyclists on roads dominated by cars’
The start of the World Naked Bike Ride on Stokes Croft
Organisers of a mass bicycle ride involving riders who are either naked or partially-clothed have announced the event is returning to Bristol later this summer with a new meeting point.
The World Naked Bike Ride is a two-formed protest and get-together aimed at highlighting the joys of cycling but also the vulnerability of cyclists, who have little more than their skin to protect them from people driving large objects made of metal around at speed.
The event has been annual since the mid-2010s with participants meeting at the aptly-named Full Moon pub in Stokes Croft and taking off on a circular route around Bristol’s harbourside and city centre.
But the event had been in doubt over the need to change a venue – but a new one has been agreed, and the Bristol version of the World Naked Bike Ride will start from the Pump House pub next to Merchants Bridge, at the Cumberland Basin.
The event will take place on Saturday, August 15, with anyone wanting to take part urged to gather from around 11.30am, with people setting off from around 12.30pm, after being serenaded by Bristol Samba.
“The World Naked Bike ride was conceived as a way to draw attention to the vulnerability of cyclists on roads dominated by cars,” said a WNBR Bristol spokesperson.
“Cycling is obviously a ‘green’ choice for personal transport, but it comes at a cost – in the UK, on average, two cyclists are killed, and 80 or so seriously injured, every single week. Many of us have lost friends and loved ones to drivers who often “did not see” them.
“‘NOW you can see us!’ is a popular slogan carried by WNBR riders. While this is the main reason behind the rides, they appeal to a diverse selection of folk, including naturists and people with an interest in body-positivity.
The ride is meant to raise awareness of how vulnerable cyclists are on Bristol’s roads(Image: Bristol Post)
“Riders don’t have to be naked – ‘as bare as you dare’ is the dress code, and that can even include fully clothed. Obviously, though, naked or part-naked riders draw attention, which is kind of the point.
“It should go without saying that there is no sexual element to WNBR nudity. It’s a protest with a serious message – it’s sobering to see a hundred or more cyclists streaming past and realise that’s just one year’s UK cycling death toll – but it’s not a protest that seeks to offend, disrupt traffic, nor demonise other road users. Many of us do also drive cars,” he added.