If you can’t bear the thought of public nudity, consider this a public service announcement. But if you’ve always fancied taking a bike ride in the buff, your chance arrives with the World Naked Bike Ride, hitting London on Saturday, June 11. Yes, dear friends, it is very much a thing, and it is very much happening next month.

Let’s kick off with the main event on June 10. Every summer (except for 2020, when pandemic-related concerns prompted a cancellation), this naked revolution takes to the streets in order to protest car culture and global oil dependency and fight for cyclists’ rights whilst simultaneously promote body positivity. These people aren’t just getting naked for the sake of it, you see – it’s all for a serious cause, despite the incessant giggling it tends to provoke.

The cause gets a little more pressing each year, as London continues to suffer from unclean air, and the global climate crisis gets a little worse, exacerbated by our reliance on cars and fossil fuels. In 2023, the World Naked Bike Ride will start from nine meeting points across the city – offering short rides, longer jaunts, and an accessible route – and converge in central London. In fact, when they’re all together on the approach to Wellington Arch, the convey will stretch to a glorious 4km peloton of nakedness.

I don’t even want to think about the chafing this is going to result in, to be honest. The World Naked Bike Ride will eventually make their extremely nudey point across 65km of congested and polluted roads, as well as fourteen bridges. Don’t expect any inclement British weather to put them off, either – I’d imagine cycling naked through the rain is extra freeing!

It’s free to join in and, while nudity is encouraged, you’re welcome to take part wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable – so expect lashings of body paint and props aplenty. (You are, however, asked not to strip off until you get to the rendezvous point though!)

Where does the London World Naked Bike Ride start?

• Clapham Junction – Grant Road, SW11 2NU – arrive at 2:30pm for a 2:45pm ride.
• Croydon – 233 Shirley Church Road, CR0 5AB – arrive at 11am for a 1pm ride (this is the longest route available, just FYI).
• Deptford – Matchstick Piehouse, SE8 5HD – arrive at 12pm for a 2pm ride.
• Kew Bridge – North end of Kew Bridge, near W4 3NQ – arrive at 1:15pm for a 1:30pm ride.
• Regents Park – Outer Circle, near NW1 4NA – arrive at 2:35pm for a 2:50pm ride.
• Tower Hill – Trinity Square Gardens, EC3N 4DJ – arrive at 1:45pm for a 2:45pm ride.
• Wellington Arch (by Hyde Park Corner) – Apsley Way, London W1J 7JZ – arrive at 2:15pm for a 2:45pm ride.
• Victoria Park – Near Bonner Gate/Dogs of Alcibiades, E2 9JW – arrive at 11am for a 1:15pm ride.
• Accessible option – near Waterloo (full location details TBA) – arrive at 3:45pm for a 4pm ride.

If you’re aiming to take part, do follow the World Naked Bike Ride Facebook page for last-minute updates, lest you end up naked, alone and feeling very awkward…

Find out more about World Naked Bike Ride at their website.

Also published on Medium.