Motorists stuck in traffic jams this weekend may get more than they bargained for. Over a thousand naked, body-painted and scantily-clad cyclists will be taking part in the UK part of the annual World Naked Bike Ride in London to protest against climate change and the "tyranny of the automobile".
Riding under the slogan "real rights for bikes", participants aim to highlight their vulnerability on city streets and draw attention to the destructive effects of car culture.
Nudity is optional - riders are encouraged to go "as bare as you dare" - while the route offers an enjoyable "naked sightseeing experience", passing a number of city-centre landmarks.
The ride is an environmental demonstration against oil dependency as well as a celebration of cycling and the human body. London's cyclists are campaigning for cycle-only zones in cities, real rights for cyclists, safer streets, two-way high-volume cycle corridors, and a ban on car.
Organisers state on their website: "We face automobile traffic with our naked bodies as the best way of defending our dignity and exposing the unique dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians as well as the negative consequences we all face due to to dependance on oil and other forms of non-renewable energy."
The event takes place on Saturday June 13. Cyclists will meet at 3pm, north of Achilles Statue, near Broad Walk, Hyde Park Corner.
For more information visit www.worldnakedbikeride.org.
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