On Sunday, the ninth annual Naked Bike Ride was held at Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, to highlight the vulnerability of cyclists on the roads. Around 150 naked and semi-naked cyclists participated in this clothing-optional event.
While many cyclists were completely naked, some chose to be partially dressed for the 8.5 mile ride. Many participants had also got their bodies painted.
The ride started from Sophia Gardens and followed a route which included Cardiff Castle, North Road, the Civic Centre, The Hayes, the Wales Millennium Centre, and then returning to Sophia Gardens.
“There are lots of reasons behind it but the main one is that we have a poor infrastructure and the roads are quite dangerous for cyclists,” said Cyclist Mike Ambler, who played a major role in organizing the Welsh event.
“We had a great turn out, with some people joining us further along the ride. The whole thing went very smoothly and the weather was perfect.” Mike said.
“Everyone along the route was very enthusiastic. There were lots of cheers, lots of applause and lots of support,” he added.
A similar event was also held in Bristol on Saturday, attracting nearly 250 cyclists. The ride was re-routed to avoid any troubles for the cyclists as an anti-immigration rally was also held in the city on the same day.
This was the seventh Annual Naked Bike Ride in the Bristol. The 6.5-mile ride was organized on the theme “as bare as you dare”. The ride set off from the Full Moon pub in the Stokes Croft area, and the followed a route which included Castle Park, Cabot Circus, Queen Square, St Mary Redcliffe, and The Centre between Rupert Street and Baldwin Street.
The World Naked Bike Ride focuses on a “vision of a cleaner, safer, body positive world” and is held at different locations on different weekends.
“We’re celebrating bikes and bodies but we also have a serious message – to highlight how vulnerable cyclists are on the roads.” said event organizer, Will Bryson.
“Our roads are still too dangerous for many people to even consider cycling, and far too many cyclists are killed on the roads each year.”
Many Twitter users commented on the event.
“Only in Bristol is there a naked bike ride and a march on the same day, what a city,” said one user.
“Now we’ve stumbled across a naked bike ride. I love Bristol already.”</cite> another user commented.
Will Bryson, event organizer added: “Research from last year found that eight in ten Bristol residents want better safety for people riding bikes, and 70 per cent of residents want to see more investment in cycling.”
“Improving cycling could make a difference to Bristol’s health – only 1 in 3 people in Bristol take regular exercise, and 196 deaths in Bristol each year are attributable to air pollution.”
“Bristol City Council and our new mayor should look to London to see how bold steps are quickly rewarded, with many people choosing to cycle.”
“We’re celebrating bikes in a fun, visible way and showing how exposed and vulnerable riders in Bristol feel. We want a less car and oil centric society.
“We must be more ambitious about escaping car culture’s grip and freeing our streets for use by everybody.
“Non-sexual public nudity is legal in England. We are not trying to cause alarm or distress. Feel free to look the other way.”
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