Bristol World Naked Bike Ride

bristol | transport | event notice Saturday May 28, 2011 11:22 by Jack the lad

Bristol World Naked Bike Ride 2011
 
SADDLE up for the most weird, wonderful, incredible bike ride you've ever seen! 
Bristol World Naked Bike Ride is happening on Sunday 19th of June. The ride leaves Full Moon Pub, on Stokes Croft, at 1.30pm.  
The event is an international environmental protest about the effects of car culture. It is also a celebration of the body and the bicycle. The movement is gathering huge momentum worldwide and has already taken place in New York, Moscow and Buenos Aires.
 
Last year Bristol had its very first WNBR and it was a massive success. A colourful, noisy, uplifting parade of hundreds of naked and semi-naked riders cruised the city highlighting how vulnerable cyclists are in the ever growing tide of traffic - they may indeed as well be naked such is the risk of cycling in urban areas.
By riding naked on the streets of Bristol those taking part are calling for greater awareness and respect between all road users - cyclists, cars, lorries, buses and pedestrians - to make all journeys safer and more enjoyable.

With the aims of The Bristol Cycling Campaign in mind - which is campaigning for a car free city centre, priority cycle routes and a 20mph speed limit - the route has been planned so that cyclists of all levels can take part.

The dress code is as "bare as you dare" and participants are encouraged to wear as little as they feel confident with. Birthday suits are certainly encouraged and judging by last year will be on show in abundance. But no-one will be turned away because of what they are or are not wearing. Last year many people were semi-naked or were painted head to toe in body paint. There are no clothing limits between you and your saddle.

The police have been informed and no-one is breaking the law. Nudity itself is not an offence and at last year's ride there were no problems at all - only double takes, smiles & broad grins all round.

The ride, which is registered with Bike Week,  will be leaving from The Full Moon Pub, on Stokes Croft, at 1.30pm.  Anyone who wants to be body painted or decorate their bicycle can turn up from 11am.

Last years participant Kevin Dennis said: "This is a fantastic event which shows the bicycle as a huge catalyst for change. Cycling has a massive role to play in the future of sustainability, transport, community and recreation."

Cities all around the world are reducing car traffic in their centres and the benefits - economically, environmentally and socially - are immediately obvious. Bicycles create public space, enhance street life and build a sense of community.

The Bristol World Naked Bike Ride is highlighting all these issues not just for cyclists now but for future generations. Surveys consistently show that children want to walk or cycle to school. We are just too scared to let them in the current levels of traffic. Our cities should be safe for anyone of any age to cycle in a safe environment.

Our message is clear. Scared to ride your bike in traffic? - Come ride naked with us!
Everyone is welcome to join this free event. Please note that no minors are allowed without parental supervision. Any children at the ride are the responsibility of the parent/guardian who brings them.

The route will travel through the city centre for approximately one and a half to two hours, stopping at College Green at approximately  2.30pm, where there will be a photo call.

The ride will finish back at the Full Moon Pub at about 3.30pm.