- Hundreds of cyclists dared to bare all to help protest against climate change
- Participants wheeled their way through the capital to Buckingham Palace
- The attention-raising event has taken place since 2004 except during Covid
Hundreds of naked cyclists dared to bare all as they descended on London to raise greater awareness of climate change on Saturday.
The traffic-stopping stunt saw sustainability advocates wheeling their way along The Mall and up to Buckingham Palace on Saturday as part of the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR).
Now in its 20th year, the global protest movement organises rides in hundreds of cities around the world with the aim of promoting cycling as a more sustainable mode of transport than cars.
According to organisers, the campaign ‘seeks to draw attention to its themes by being a fun, well-behaved, lawful spectacle that delights the public and attracts media attention.’
As well as protesting against ‘car culture’, the movement seeks to ‘protest against the global dependency on oil, obtain real rights for cyclists, demonstrate the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets and celebrate body freedom,’ according to the WNBR London website.
A sight to see: Hundreds of naked cyclists descended on London and rode towards Buckingham Palace on Saturday as part of the World Naked Bike Ride
Cheek to cheek: Now in its 20th year, the global protest movement organises rides in hundreds of cities around the world with the aim of promoting cycling as a more sustainable mode of transport than cars
As well as protesting against ‘car culture’ and dependency on oil, campaigners also want to ‘celebrate body freedom’
Cyclists gathered just before 3pm on Saturday at designated points around the capital to begin their ride in just their birthday suits, though some donned colourful costumes, which partly covered their skin.
Hundreds took part in the rides, which averaged around 8 miles in distance and took in some of the most well-known sights in London.
One departing from Tower Hill this afternoon, crossed the River Thames four times and passed by the Tower of London, Southwark Bridge, the Tate Modern, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, the Houses of Parliament and finally Buckingham Palace.
The World Naked Bike Ride in London has taken place every year since 2004, except one year during the Covid pandemic.
Bare hug: Two cyclists pose for a photo following the rise through London, which has taken place every year apart from during Covid since 2004
Roar-ing success: Hundreds joined the stunt on Saturday, with some (partly) dressing up