What is it?
Every year, in cities around the world, people ride bikes naked to celebrate cycling and the human body. The ride demonstrates the vulnerability of cyclists on the road, and is a protest against car culture. Originating in USA, World Naked Bike Rides (WNBR) have been run since 2004. Many cities in the UK have annual naked bike rides, the largest being London and Brighton, attracting thousands of riders. Globally, the largest of these rides is in Portland, Oregon, which regularly has 8000+ participants.
Why ride around naked?
The World Naked Bike ride was conceived as a way to draw attention to the vulnerability of cyclists on roads dominated by cars. Cycling is obviously a "green" choice for personal transport, but it comes at a cost - in the UK, on average, two cyclists are killed, and 80 or so seriously injured, every single week. Many of us have lost friends and loved ones to drivers who "did not see" them, or even, in some cases, deliberately targeted them. "Now you can see us" is a popular slogan carried by WNBR riders. While this is the main reason behind the rides, they appeal to a diverse selection of folk, including naturists, obviously, and people with an interest in body-positivity.
Riders don't have to be naked - "as bare as you dare" is the dress code, and that can include fully clothed. Obviously naked riders draw attention, though. It should go without saying that There's no sexual element to WNBR nudity. While the rides welcome and celebrate diversity, it should go without saying that sexual behaviour is not appropriate, not welcome, and not tolerated on these rides. Nor is violent or aggressive behaviour. The ride's ethos is light-hearted and non-threatening. It's a protest with a serious message - it's sobering to see a hundred or more cyclists streaming past and realise that's 12 months' UK cycling death toll - but it's not a protest that seeks to disrupt traffic or demonize other road users. Many of us also drive cars!
When is it?
The 2025 Bristol WNBR is scheduled for the 30th of August, departing from the courtyard of the Full Moon and Attic Bar, Stoke's Croft, BS1 3PR, around 12:30 - aim to be there for 11:30 or so. (The affiliated Cardiff ride was on the 8th June, with a second ride to be decided.) This year, Bristol WNBR is aiming once again to organise one of Bristol's excellent Samba bands to entertain the naked riders and delighted bystanders with a drumming and dance session at our brief stop in Castle Park.
Is it legal?
Yes. Simple nudity in public is not illegal in the UK, unless there's clear intent to cause harm, alarm or distress. (While there are occasional people who find the sight of hundreds of naked people on bikes upsetting, there are people who find all kinds of things distressing - one person being offended by something doesn't automatically make that thing objectively offensive.)
That said, clearly an individual rider cycling around the place naked is likely, at the least, to be asked awkward questions by the police. Hundreds of riders, not so much. The WNBR rides are organised in cooperation with the police, who have advance notice of the route and who provide valuable advice on safety, traffic issues and the law. Indeed, this year, we have invited a couple of officers to accompany us (albeit fully clothed, we expect). The rides are insured, and carefully marshalled to keep riders safe and minimise disruption. WNBR does not seek to prevent people getting places or going about thier business, and WNBR will never knowingly impede the passage of emergency vehicles.
More information
- Where: Courtyard of the Full Moon, Stoke's Croft. w3w:park.that.fear!;
- Logistics: Travel, parking, clean air zone, bike hire;
- When: 30th August 2025, 11:30 arrival for 12:30 departure;
- Dress code for the ride is “as bare as you dare!“
- Space to gather before and after ride;
- Dance in the park with a Samba band!
- Ride marshals direct the ride and keep it safe;
- Gentle 6½ mile ride with some stops along the way;
- The ride is cleared with the police;
- Bring body paints, rattles, whistles, bubbles, etc.
- Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult;
- Supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bristol WNBR FAQ | FAQ (international)
Donations, support & souvenirs
A remarkable amount of effort and expense goes into making WNBR happen, and the organisers and marshals all donate their time, equipment, and often money. Last year's riders donated generously to ride funds, and/or bought ride memorabilia, offsetting the significant costs incurred due to a fairly late change of location from the ride's previous home. This year, we're back at the Moon! There are still some Bristol WNBR 2024 mugs available, and some deafeningly loud BWNBR whistles on handy lanyards. We are (still) working on providing a mechanism to buy or donate online - coming soon!We still need volunteers to help with publicising the ride!