London’s Naked Bike ride is back for its 17th year with routes across south London for daring riders or spectators to participate in.
The event is to demonstrate the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets, to protest against car culture and the global dependency on oil as well as campaigning for rights for cyclists.
The bike ride will take place on Saturday June 11 with various routes for riders to choose from depending on their ability.
The London leg of the World Naked Bike Ride rides from start points at Clapham Junction, Croydon, Deptford, Kew Bridge, Regents Park, Tower Hill and Victoria Park.
This year there will be no Hyde Park start in order to not disturb her majesty the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations which will be fenced off and closed to the public.
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It is described as a naked bike ride, but riders are welcome to “as bare as you dare” with people often wearing body paint and fancy dress.
The ride has been cleared in advance with the police and as the Sexual Offences Act 2003 says that in England, nakedness is not illegal unless you are doing it intending to alarm or distress someone.
The World Naked Bike Ride is a global protest movement with rides in over 200 cities around the world.
Participating is free, riders can just turn up at the right locations at the right times to take part.
Time and locations for naked bike rides in south London:
Croydon
The longest route in south London will be starting in Croydon and stretches over 20 miles.
The starting line is at 233 Shirley Church Road and riders can gather from 11am.
Deptford
The Deptford route is 10⅓ miles.
It will meet other groups at Tower Hill and continue as part of a merged group.
The start is at Matchstick Piehouse from 12pm.
Participants can arrive early, eat pies, socialise and get body painted.
Clapham
The Clapham Junction start has an optionally a circular route, with riders returning to the start point after completing the ride.
It is 9 miles without the optional return leg from 2.30pm The route begins alongside the station in a small public square, so riders should not arrive early.
Belvedere
This route is for participants with restricted ability to ride a bike and starts at 3.45pm on Belvedere Road.
It is a relatively short and easy route, running between two rest points.
Full info about the event here.
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