Press Dispensary - April 19, 2006 - On Saturday 10 June 2006, in over 40 cities worldwide, people will be riding bikes naked to celebrate cycling and the human body. A surreal sight for sore eyes, the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) (http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/) is baring all in bohemian Brighton (am) and London (pm). The ride demonstrates the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is a protest against oil dependency. Cyclists and skaters are encouraged to "be there, as bare as you dare".
Probably the biggest worldwide naked protest in history, WNBR differs from other mass cycle events because of its astonishing naked element. According to the organisers, most bystanders experience a combined feeling of "amusement, shock and disbelief".
The Brighton ride will take place in the morning, allowing participants to also take part in the London event in the afternoon if they travel (clothed!) by train.
The WNBR dress code is "as bare as you dare" - participants are encouraged to wear "as little as they feel confident with". Joining the fully nude contingent, some riders in London last year wore shorts, bras, swimwear, body paint, wigs, sunglasses etc. Most wear footwear and bring bags to carry clothes. Body painting and adornment, customised bikes and other creative expression are all strongly encouraged.
Nick Sayers, WNBR Brighton and Hove coordinator, says: "The most frequently asked question is, 'isn't riding naked uncomfortable. Surprisingly, for both women and men, riding naked isn't really less comfortable than riding clothed. When riding with clothes, you're often rubbing against seams, so in some ways naked cycling is comfier."
WNBR celebrates the individuality of people's bodies. Riders of all ages, sizes, builds and appearances are therefore welcome to participate with dignity and respect. With comfort and less experienced cyclists in mind, the ride will avoid hills and maintain a leisurely pace. "Most riders find the experience exhilarating, liberating, empowering... and downright hilarious," says Nick.
WNBR Brighton will take place on the morning of Saturday 10 June, probably meeting at the Level (BN2 3FX) at 10am. The approximately seven mile route will take in a number of Brighton and Hove landmarks, giving the ride a "naked sightseeing" feel. The event will last roughly two hours. It will probably finish at Black Rock naturist beach. A shorter route may be taken in case of bad weather. Please check WNBR websites for exact details nearer the time.
The event and route will be finalised in consultation with Sussex Police to put participants at ease. The event is free of charge. There will also be a number of pre-ride promotional events, including screenings of WNBR and naked protest documentaries.
Nick adds: "At other bike protests, bystanders and drivers are often annoyed at the sight of cyclists 'blocking the traffic' - despite the fact they're actively cutting congestion and fuel consumption. What's amazing about WNBR is seeing people smiling along the route. You feel like a celebrity! When confronted with naked protesters stopping cars in city centres, instead of angrily beeping horns, drivers stop and gawp in amazement. It's a jaw-dropping wake up call for environmental responsibility."
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Notes for editors
For further information please contact:
Graham Lee, UK press officer
Tel: 07956 261902
Email: glee194584@aol.com
Site: www.worldnakedbikeride.org
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