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{{Template:Ride location sub-page breadcrumb (London)}}
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==Previous Rides==
 
==Previous Rides==
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London is the largest daytime WNBR event in the world.  The event started in 2004 with 58 participants and has had 1,000-1,200 participants each year since 2007.  Read about the previous rides on the [[London_history|London history]] page.
London is the largest daytime WNBR event in the world.  The event started in 2004 with 58 participants and has had 1,000-1,200 participants each year since 2007.  Read about the previous rides on the [[London_history]] page.
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<br/>
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{{Ride location next ride|Date=Saturday 11 June 2022 (to be confirmed)|Time=Various|Location=Various}}
{{Ride location next ride|Date=Saturday 9 June 2012|Time=3pm assembly, for 3.30pm departure|Location=Hyde Park. }}
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<br/>
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Please see the [[London ride|London ride]] page for more details on the route and times.
<br/>
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{{UK donations link}}
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==Support Us==
<br/>
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The ride is made possible by volunteer helpers and generous donations from our participants. Please join the collective. No one is paid for running WNBR London, but we do have some significant expenses like radio comms hire, road closure fees, insurance, printing, marshals' ID, etc.<br/>
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[https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UGA9T8VT8HH5W Please click here to donate by PayPal]
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[[Image:donatewithpaypal364x70.png|Donate with PayPal|link=https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UGA9T8VT8HH5W]]<br/>
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or contact us if you could volunteer to help with planning, publicity, preparation, assistance at the start and finish, marshalling, or leading a ride - we really need your help!
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<!-- {{UK donations link}} -->
  
 
==Thinking of Taking Part in the London World Naked Bike Ride?==
 
==Thinking of Taking Part in the London World Naked Bike Ride?==
<br/>
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===Legality===
 
===Legality===
<br/>
 
 
The WNBR London organising collective has been working closely with the Metropolitan police since 2005; they are fully aware of the nature of the protest and supportive of our right to make it. We have excellent relations with the police; some years they have assisted with traffic control and have had their own riders accompanying us (although they keep their uniforms on).  In recent years they have left us to our own devices as we are considered a well run event that doesn't require close monitoring.<br/>
 
The WNBR London organising collective has been working closely with the Metropolitan police since 2005; they are fully aware of the nature of the protest and supportive of our right to make it. We have excellent relations with the police; some years they have assisted with traffic control and have had their own riders accompanying us (although they keep their uniforms on).  In recent years they have left us to our own devices as we are considered a well run event that doesn't require close monitoring.<br/>
<br/>
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Contrary to popular opinion, there is no law against nudity in England and you will not be arrested simply for being nude on this protest. Visit our [[United_Kingdom_FAQ#Will_I_be_arrested_for_nudity.3F | FAQ answer]] for more information.<br/>
 
Contrary to popular opinion, there is no law against nudity in England and you will not be arrested simply for being nude on this protest. Visit our [[United_Kingdom_FAQ#Will_I_be_arrested_for_nudity.3F | FAQ answer]] for more information.<br/>
<br/>
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Notice: The terms of the 2012 ride have been agreed with the police as in previous years.<br/>
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Details of the ride are agreed with the police in advance.<br/>
<br/>
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===Nudity during the ride===
 
===Nudity during the ride===
<br/>
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[[Image:Dscn2505ce.JPG|250px|thumb|right|Part of the seemingly endless ride past Waterloo Station in 2015 - photo BAZ]]
There is no law against nudity in Britain, but please don't exercise your right to nudity in London before the ride, as it will impact on our ability to make arrangements with police and get cooperation from the authorities in future years.  Feel free to undress in the UK at any other time of the year, as this will not have any impact on the WNBR.<br/>
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This is a “naked bike ride” so clothing is optional. We advise riders to wear shoes for safety reasons. The protest has a carnival feel, so you are welcome to adorn yourself with colourful body paint and slogans, wear fancy dress, disguise yourself a bit (eg sunglasses, helmet, mask) or remain partially dressed - be as bare as you dare. You will probably want a rucksack, panniers or a bicycle basket to carry your belongings.<br/>
<br/>
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There is no law against nudity in Britain, but please don't exercise your right to nudity in London before the ride or spend an unnecessarily long time dressing at the end as it will impact on our ability to make arrangements with police and get cooperation from the authorities in future years.  Feel free to undress in the UK at any other time of the year, as this will not have any impact on the WNBR.
 +
 
 
Many passers by and photographers who know about the event WILL turn up and take photographs before the ride begins.  With no budget and no ability to erect any sort of barriers, the start is very difficult for us to control.  There will be lots of people there with cameras and there isn't much we can do about it.<br/>
 
Many passers by and photographers who know about the event WILL turn up and take photographs before the ride begins.  With no budget and no ability to erect any sort of barriers, the start is very difficult for us to control.  There will be lots of people there with cameras and there isn't much we can do about it.<br/>
<br/>
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Remember that if you are uncomfortable getting undressed with all of the photographers around only need to get undressed just before the ride starts.  If you wear clothes that can be quickly removed, you could leave the park dressed, pull over, remove your clothes and rejoin the ride.<br/>
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If you are uncomfortable getting undressed with people around remember that you only need to get undressed just before the ride starts.  If you wear clothes that can be quickly removed, you could leave the start dressed, pull over, remove your clothes and rejoin the ride.
<br/>
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Traffic and congestion WILL cause the protest to stop for several minutes at various points throughout the route.  If you don't like the idea of being photographed while sitting at a red light, bring something you can cover up with quickly and easily put on and take off.<br/>
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Traffic and congestion WILL cause the protest to stop for several minutes at various points throughout the route.  If you don't like the idea of being photographed while sitting at a red light, bring something you can cover up with quickly and easily put on and take off.
<br/>
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===Photography===
 
===Photography===
<br/>
 
 
Please keep referring to [[London_photography_policy|the London photography policy]] as things progress, which will make it clear what photography behaviour is unwelcome.  If presence of photographers makes people uncomfortable, we recommend riders consider adopting the following measures:<br/>
 
Please keep referring to [[London_photography_policy|the London photography policy]] as things progress, which will make it clear what photography behaviour is unwelcome.  If presence of photographers makes people uncomfortable, we recommend riders consider adopting the following measures:<br/>
 
* The most effective measure is to avoid disrobing at the assembly. Simply wear something that can be easily removed when the ride pauses on route.  The problem photography rarely occurs during the ride;<br/>
 
* The most effective measure is to avoid disrobing at the assembly. Simply wear something that can be easily removed when the ride pauses on route.  The problem photography rarely occurs during the ride;<br/>
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* Leafleting before and during the ride may be a good way to overcome discomfort from being stared at, and make you less likely to be targeted by problem photographers. The activity of engaging with bystanders makes you seem less vulnerable and this seems to appeal less to any problem photographers;<br>
 
* Leafleting before and during the ride may be a good way to overcome discomfort from being stared at, and make you less likely to be targeted by problem photographers. The activity of engaging with bystanders makes you seem less vulnerable and this seems to appeal less to any problem photographers;<br>
 
* We will again have a sign you can [[media:London2008photopolicyboard.pdf|download]].  Some riders have found this useful in dealing with problem photographers;
 
* We will again have a sign you can [[media:London2008photopolicyboard.pdf|download]].  Some riders have found this useful in dealing with problem photographers;
* If you have a camera, taking a photograph of persistent photographers and telling them to leave or you'll report them can work too.<br/>
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* If you have a camera, taking a photograph of persistent photographers and telling them to leave or you'll report them can work too.
Some more information about the [[London photography policy | photography policy]] can be found here: [[United_Kingdom_FAQ#Will_people.2F_the_press_photograph_me.3F|UK FAQ]]<br/>
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<br/>
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Some more information about the [[London photography policy | photography policy]] can be found here: [[United_Kingdom_FAQ#Will_people.2F_the_press_photograph_me.3F|UK FAQ]]
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===Slogans and Decoration===
 
===Slogans and Decoration===
<br/>
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[[Image:vs170406-001.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Bike decorated with slogan sign and flag - London 2016]]
The World Naked Bike Ride is a protest event designed to raise awareness of issues important to the people taking part.  While many of the participants enjoy being out in the city naked on a bicycle, the event is a protest and the more we get our [[About|messages]] across, the more legitimacy the protest can claim.<br/>
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The World Naked Bike Ride is a protest event designed to raise awareness of issues important to the people taking part.  While many of the participants enjoy being out in the city naked on a bicycle, the event is a protest and the more we get our [[About|messages]] across, the more legitimacy the protest can claim.
<br/>
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Decorating you and your bike helps us get the message across and hopefully helps you have some more fun too.  Tactically placed body paint can also be a good way to go naked but not put everything on display if that's important to you.<br/>
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Decorating you and your bike helps us get the message across and hopefully helps you have some more fun too.  Tactically placed body paint can also be a good way to go naked but not put everything on display if that's important to you.
<br/>
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A list of suitable slogans can be found here if you can't think of your own - [[Slogans|Slogans]]<br/>
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[[File:vs180117-002.jpg|frameless|192px|Simple Slogan Body Paint]] [[File:vs180117-001.jpg|frameless|280px|Elaborate Body Painting]]
<br/>
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===Decoration and leaflets===
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A list of suitable slogans can be found here if you can't think of your own - [[Slogans|Slogans]]
This year we are providing [http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/uk/flags cloth flags] again (donations please, minimum £3.50) and these are stitched to easily fit on bamboo poles which you can tape to your bike frame/rack. We are also providing "race cards" - paper signs that easily attach to the front of your bike with the messages of the WNBR.  Donations are appreciated to help us cover the costs.  There will be leaflets available which explain the ride more clearly to passers by.  These items can be collected from just behind the Info Stall (location to be advised). Please see [[London#Bike decoration|the London bike decoration page]] for more detailed suggestions.<BR/>
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<!--===Decoration and leaflets===
<br/>
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This year we are providing [http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/uk/flags cloth flags] again (donations please, minimum £3.50) and these are stitched to easily fit on bamboo poles which you can tape to your bike frame/rack. We are also providing "race cards" - paper signs that easily attach to the front of your bike with the messages of the WNBR.  Donations are appreciated to help us cover the costs.  There will be leaflets available which explain the ride more clearly to passers by.  These items can be collected from just behind the Info Stall (location to be advised).
 +
<br/>-->
  
 
===Bike decoration===
 
===Bike decoration===
<br/>
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[[Image:IMG_0218e.JPG|200px|thumb|right|Get a flag! WNBR London 2006]] We have some great race cards that you can print on card and then attach to your bike. We recommend you use elastic or twist-ties to secure to your bike.  There are PDF [http://wiki.worldnakedbikeride.org/images/b/bf/2007-race-card-instructions.pdf instructions here].  If you are feeling generous, print and prepare a few extra to give to other riders. There is a selection of five cards for you to choose from; click on the captions to download the full-size card for printing.  
We have some great race cards that you can print on card and then attach to your bike. We recommend you use elastic or twist-ties to secure to your bike.  There are PDF [http://wiki.worldnakedbikeride.org/images/b/bf/2007-race-card-instructions.pdf instructions here].  If you are feeling generous, print and prepare a few extra to give to other riders. There is a selection of four cards for you to choose from; click on the captions to download the full-size card for printing. <BR/>
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<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
Image:RACE-SIGN-01-150.png|[[Media:RACE SIGN 01.pdf|Download Print Version]]
 
Image:RACE-SIGN-01-150.png|[[Media:RACE SIGN 01.pdf|Download Print Version]]
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Image:RACE-SIGN-03-150.png|[[Media:RACE SIGN 03.pdf|Download Print Version]]
 
Image:RACE-SIGN-03-150.png|[[Media:RACE SIGN 03.pdf|Download Print Version]]
 
Image:RACE-SIGN-04-150.png|[[Media:RACE SIGN 04.pdf|Download Print Version]]
 
Image:RACE-SIGN-04-150.png|[[Media:RACE SIGN 04.pdf|Download Print Version]]
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Image:RACE_SIGN_05thumb.png|[[Media:RACE_SIGN_05.pdf|Download Print Version]]
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</gallery>
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These designs might make good flags or signs. Flags are great!  Can you make flags for us?<br/>
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[[File:WNBRtandemlogo.png|frameless|150px|WNBR tandem motif]]
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[[File:WNBRtandemlogobw.png|frameless|150px|WNBR tandem motif]]
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[[File:flag1bw.png|frameless|150px|WNBR flag design]]
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[[File:wnbrflag2.png|frameless|150px|WNBR flag design]]
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[[File:flag2.png|frameless|150px|WNBR graphic]]
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[[File:Cyclo-nu-UK-world-naked-bike-ride-edit.png|frameless|200px|WNBR couple]]
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[[File:ProtestOilFlag2.png|frameless|200px|WNBR graphic]]
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[[File:CurbCarCultureFlag.png|frameless|200px|WNBR graphic]]
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[[File:RightsForBikes.png|frameless|200px|WNBR graphic]]
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[[File:BodyFreedom.png|frameless|200px|WNBR graphic]]
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[[File:Vulnerable.png|frameless|200px|WNBR graphic]]
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[[File:BinFlag3.png|frameless|200px|WNBR Bin Flag]]
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Additionally you could include a QR code if you plan to have a flat area for messages. That way, bystanders with smartphones can instantly find the major WNBR websites to get the ride's messages. We would like you to link to our WNBR London website or Facebook page - but we've also included some other options - take your pick! They are all downloadable PDF files ready for printing
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<gallery>
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Image:QRwnbrLondonUK+link.png|[[Media:QRwnbrLondonUK+link.pdf|Downoad (Links to WNBR London website)]]
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Image:qr-fb-wnbr-london120.png|[[Media:qr-fb-wnbr-london.pdf|Downoad (Links to WNBR London FaceBook site)]]
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Image:qr-wnbr-wiki-london120.png|[[Media:qr-wiki-wnbr-london.pdf|Downoad (Links to WNBR London Wiki site)]]
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Image:QR_wnbr.png|[[Media:QR_wnbr.pdf|Download (Main WNBR site)]]
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Image:QR_wnbr_green.png|[[Media:QR_wnbr_green.pdf|Download (Main WNBR site)]]
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Image:QR_wnbr_uk.png|[[Media:QR_wnbr_uk.pdf|Download (UK WNBR site)]]
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Image:QR_wnbr_uk_blue.png|[[Media:QR_wnbr_uk_blue.pdf|Downoad (UK WNBR site)]]
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
<BR/>
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===Bike rental===
 
===Bike rental===
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[[image:bikes.jpg|left|link=]]We have again arranged preferential bike hire from [http://www.londonbicycle.com/hire/event-wnbr The London Bicycle Tour Company]. They will hire bikes to riders from 11am to 7pm (including WNBR seat cover which is yours to keep).  
For a list of the bike hire locations, visit the following page from [http://lcc.org.uk/articles/cycle-hire-shops-in-london London Cycle Campaign (LCC) - List of Cycle Hire Shops in London]. <br/>
 
<br/>
 
The London Bicycle Tour Company hire bikes to riders from 12.30pm-7pm for £12.<br/>
 
Follow the Instructions for WNBR participants on the [http://www.londonbicycle.com/booking London Bicycle Tour Company] web site booking page<BR/>
 
NOTE: If you are booking for World Naked Bike Ride you must select 'number of days: 16' in the booking form even though you will only be hiring the bike for 1 day. Also, you must select 'W.N.B.R.' as the event.  This will bring up the correct discounted price.  You will need to book with a credit card or bring a large cash deposit to hire the bike.  Bike delivery will not be available for the discount price - bikes must be collected from the shop.  '''Advanced booking is required to guarantee bike availability'''. <br/>
 
  
Full details and instructions on how to pre-book your bike are on the [[London_Bike_Hire]] page.<br/>
+
London's public hire bikes and several other rental firms and locations are available. Full details and instructions on how to pre-book your bike are on the [[London_Bike_Hire|London bike hire]] page.  
  
[[image:LondonBikeHire.png|none]]
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If you are hiring or borrowing a bike, and you have a bare bum, you must cover the saddle. This will protect you from any dirt, as well as being polite to the next person who uses the bike. You can purchase a WNBR seat cover for £2 at any of the start points.
  
Another option is [http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/14808.aspx Barclays Cycle Hire]. However, this is intended for short journeys, so please make sure that you understand the costs involved. If you rent a bike for 3-6 hours, you pay £1 for the access fee and £35 for the usage fee! This is quite plausible, since the London ride assembles at 15:00 and normally finishes at about 18:00. Also, you may not be able to collect or return a bike at the nearest docking station, if it's empty at the start and full at the end, so you need to allow for extra travelling time.
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<!-- ===Skate rental===
 
 
If you are hiring a bike, and you have a bare bum, please cover the saddle. This will protect you from any dirt, as well as being polite to the next person who uses the bike.
 
<br/>
 
===Skate rental===
 
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
 
For £10 rental and a £100 deposit, you can hire well maintained SKATES plus full padding from [http://www.clubblueroom.com Club Blue Room] for the entire day.  They can't hire if it's a rainy day. Skates must be undamaged dry and clean when returned.  They are located at Marble Arch.  Phone for details - 020 7724 4884<br/>
 
For £10 rental and a £100 deposit, you can hire well maintained SKATES plus full padding from [http://www.clubblueroom.com Club Blue Room] for the entire day.  They can't hire if it's a rainy day. Skates must be undamaged dry and clean when returned.  They are located at Marble Arch.  Phone for details - 020 7724 4884<br/>
<br/>
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<br/> -->
 
===Weather===
 
===Weather===
We've had good weather at each of the UK rides so far, indeed stunning hot sunshine in 2006 and 2007. Does that mean statistically we're predicting rain? The ride will not be cancelled in the event of rain, but it just might be shortened. If so, follow the Marshals' instructions.
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We've mostly had good weather at each of the UK rides so far, indeed stunning hot sunshine several times - don't forget the sunblock.  
<br/><br/>
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The ride will not be cancelled in the event of rain, but it just might be shortened. If so, follow the Marshals' instructions.
In any case bring warm dry clothes to change into after the ride, and keep them dry.
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<br/><br/>
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Skin is more waterproof than clothing, but bring warm dry clothes to change into after the ride, and keep them dry.
 
A large, thin plastic bag (such as you get from your dry cleaner) could be an effective protection if you want to seem naked in the rain.  Maybe we can beat the Vancouver record for most naked riders in the rain!
 
A large, thin plastic bag (such as you get from your dry cleaner) could be an effective protection if you want to seem naked in the rain.  Maybe we can beat the Vancouver record for most naked riders in the rain!
<br/><br/>
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For a five-day weather forecast, visit one of  [http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/london_forecast_weather.html Met Office], [http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/today.asp?zipcode=LONDON MetCheck] or [http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/8?&showDay=A BBC Weather] (and choose day).
 
For a five-day weather forecast, visit one of  [http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/london_forecast_weather.html Met Office], [http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/today.asp?zipcode=LONDON MetCheck] or [http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/8?&showDay=A BBC Weather] (and choose day).
 +
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*The event will take place whatever the weather – please come prepared for rain, cold or blazing heat!
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===PA equipment===
 +
Use of PA equipment or amplification within the Serious and Organised Crime Police Act (SOCPA) zone should be avoided, as it is not-legal.  We recommend turning off any sound amplification for the sections of ride along Whitehall, Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge and York Road.
 +
 +
===Health & safety===
 +
[[Image:mvi_3573e.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Footware is required for safety]]
 +
*Footwear is required in order to allow riders to come to a safe emergency stop.<br/>
 +
*Helmets are not compulsory. We advise you to [http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=5339 consider the evidence on cycling safety and helmets], then take your own decision on whether to wear a helmet or not.
 +
*Bicycles are to be ridden in a manner appropriate for use on the road. 
 +
*All riders should be seated on appropriate seats in line with The Highway Code.  Don't take passengers on luggage racks or handlebars.<br/>
 +
*Owing to safety concerns, runners are no longer permitted in the World Naked Bike Ride in London.
 +
 +
<!--
 +
===Other Discounts===
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
*The event will take place whatever the weather – please come prepared for rain, cold or blazing heat!<br/>
 
<br/>
 
===PA equipment===  <br/>
 
Use of PA equipment or amplification within the Serious and Organised Crime Police Act (SOCPA) zone should be avoided, as it is not-legal.  We recommend turning off any sound amplification for the sections of ride along Whitehall, Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge and York Road.<br/>
 
<br/>
 
===Health & safety=== <br>
 
Footwear is required in order to allow riders to come to a safe emergency stop.  <br>
 
Helmets are not compulsory. We advise you to [http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=5339 consider the evidence on cycling safety and helmets], then take your own decision on whether to wear a helmet or not.  <br/>
 
Bicycles are to be ridden in a manner appropriate for use on the road.  All riders should be seated on appropriate seats in line with The Highway Code.  Don't take passengers on luggage racks or handlebars.<br/>
 
Owing to safety concerns, runners are no longer permitted in the World Naked Bike Ride in London.<br/>
 
<br/>
 
===Other Discounts===
 
 
[http://www.theatrebreaks.com/Discounts-for-WNBR-Participants-No-Theatre.aspx Hotels and Shows]
 
[http://www.theatrebreaks.com/Discounts-for-WNBR-Participants-No-Theatre.aspx Hotels and Shows]
Theatre Breaks are offering a 10% discount hotels in London - places that have committed to accepting guests and their bicycles.
+
Theatre Breaks are offering a 10% discount hotels in London - places that have committed to accepting guests and their bicycles. -->
 
===Frequently asked questions (FAQ)===
 
===Frequently asked questions (FAQ)===
If you still have questions, see the [[United Kingdom FAQ]] and global [[FAQ]]. Visit both pages to find out answers to your questions. We've tried to avoid an overlap of information.<BR/>
+
If you still have questions, see the [[United Kingdom FAQ]] and global [[FAQ]]. Visit both pages to find out answers to your questions. We've tried to avoid an overlap of information.
 +
 
 
==Getting Involved==
 
==Getting Involved==
If you're thinking about getting involved Check out the [[London_Get_Involved]] page
+
If you're thinking about getting involved Check out the [[London_get_involved | London Get Involved]] page
  
 
==Links==
 
==Links==
There are a number of [[London_Links]] relevant to the themes of the event.
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There are a number of [[London_links | London Links]] relevant to the themes of the event.
 
 
==Categories==
 
<!--Drag appropriate ride location categories below this line-->
 
[[Category:United Kingdom]]
 
<!--Drag appropriate ride location categories above this line-->
 
<!--Drag inappropriate ride location categories below this line---
 
[[Category:Ride locations]]
 
[[Category:2004 ride locations]]
 
[[Category:2005 ride locations]]
 
[[Category:2006 ride locations]]
 
[[Category:2007 ride locations]]
 
[[Category:2008 ride locations]]
 
[[Category:2009 ride locations]]
 
[[Category:2010 ride locations]]
 
[[Category:2011 ride locations]]
 
[[Category:Confirmed ride locations]]
 
[[Category:Northern hemisphere ride locations]]
 
[[Category:Previous ride locations]]
 
[[Category:Ride locations with media coverage]]
 
[[Category:Ride locations with photos]]
 
[[Category:Ride locations with videos]]
 
[[Category:New ride locations]]
 
[[Category:Potential ride locations]]
 
[[Category:Southern hemisphere ride locations]]
 
[[Category:Unconfirmed ride locations]]
 
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Latest revision as of 12:58, 15 November 2021

Home > List of rides > United Kingdom > London > London preparation •  Google London preparation WNBR

Previous Rides

London is the largest daytime WNBR event in the world. The event started in 2004 with 58 participants and has had 1,000-1,200 participants each year since 2007. Read about the previous rides on the London history page.

Next ride

Editors: to change this section,
click the Edit tab at the top of the page

Date: Saturday 11 June 2022 (to be confirmed)
Time: Various
Location: Various

Please see the London ride page for more details on the route and times.

Support Us

The ride is made possible by volunteer helpers and generous donations from our participants. Please join the collective. No one is paid for running WNBR London, but we do have some significant expenses like radio comms hire, road closure fees, insurance, printing, marshals' ID, etc.
Please click here to donate by PayPal

Donate with PayPal
or contact us if you could volunteer to help with planning, publicity, preparation, assistance at the start and finish, marshalling, or leading a ride - we really need your help!

Thinking of Taking Part in the London World Naked Bike Ride?

Legality

The WNBR London organising collective has been working closely with the Metropolitan police since 2005; they are fully aware of the nature of the protest and supportive of our right to make it. We have excellent relations with the police; some years they have assisted with traffic control and have had their own riders accompanying us (although they keep their uniforms on). In recent years they have left us to our own devices as we are considered a well run event that doesn't require close monitoring.

Contrary to popular opinion, there is no law against nudity in England and you will not be arrested simply for being nude on this protest. Visit our FAQ answer for more information.

Details of the ride are agreed with the police in advance.

Nudity during the ride

Part of the seemingly endless ride past Waterloo Station in 2015 - photo BAZ

This is a “naked bike ride” so clothing is optional. We advise riders to wear shoes for safety reasons. The protest has a carnival feel, so you are welcome to adorn yourself with colourful body paint and slogans, wear fancy dress, disguise yourself a bit (eg sunglasses, helmet, mask) or remain partially dressed - be as bare as you dare. You will probably want a rucksack, panniers or a bicycle basket to carry your belongings.

There is no law against nudity in Britain, but please don't exercise your right to nudity in London before the ride or spend an unnecessarily long time dressing at the end as it will impact on our ability to make arrangements with police and get cooperation from the authorities in future years. Feel free to undress in the UK at any other time of the year, as this will not have any impact on the WNBR.

Many passers by and photographers who know about the event WILL turn up and take photographs before the ride begins. With no budget and no ability to erect any sort of barriers, the start is very difficult for us to control. There will be lots of people there with cameras and there isn't much we can do about it.

If you are uncomfortable getting undressed with people around remember that you only need to get undressed just before the ride starts. If you wear clothes that can be quickly removed, you could leave the start dressed, pull over, remove your clothes and rejoin the ride.

Traffic and congestion WILL cause the protest to stop for several minutes at various points throughout the route. If you don't like the idea of being photographed while sitting at a red light, bring something you can cover up with quickly and easily put on and take off.

Photography

Please keep referring to the London photography policy as things progress, which will make it clear what photography behaviour is unwelcome. If presence of photographers makes people uncomfortable, we recommend riders consider adopting the following measures:

  • The most effective measure is to avoid disrobing at the assembly. Simply wear something that can be easily removed when the ride pauses on route. The problem photography rarely occurs during the ride;
  • Verbally address the photographer by saying "Go away, I do not wish to be photographed". At the same time, hold up your hand to indicate the universal gesture of "stop/halt/no". If this doesn't work, address the people near to you, asking them to stand between you and the photographer;
  • Leafleting before and during the ride may be a good way to overcome discomfort from being stared at, and make you less likely to be targeted by problem photographers. The activity of engaging with bystanders makes you seem less vulnerable and this seems to appeal less to any problem photographers;
  • We will again have a sign you can download. Some riders have found this useful in dealing with problem photographers;
  • If you have a camera, taking a photograph of persistent photographers and telling them to leave or you'll report them can work too.

Some more information about the photography policy can be found here: UK FAQ

Slogans and Decoration

Bike decorated with slogan sign and flag - London 2016

The World Naked Bike Ride is a protest event designed to raise awareness of issues important to the people taking part. While many of the participants enjoy being out in the city naked on a bicycle, the event is a protest and the more we get our messages across, the more legitimacy the protest can claim.

Decorating you and your bike helps us get the message across and hopefully helps you have some more fun too. Tactically placed body paint can also be a good way to go naked but not put everything on display if that's important to you.

Simple Slogan Body Paint Elaborate Body Painting

A list of suitable slogans can be found here if you can't think of your own - Slogans

Bike decoration

Get a flag! WNBR London 2006

We have some great race cards that you can print on card and then attach to your bike. We recommend you use elastic or twist-ties to secure to your bike. There are PDF instructions here. If you are feeling generous, print and prepare a few extra to give to other riders. There is a selection of five cards for you to choose from; click on the captions to download the full-size card for printing.

These designs might make good flags or signs. Flags are great! Can you make flags for us?
WNBR tandem motif WNBR tandem motif WNBR flag design WNBR flag design WNBR graphic WNBR couple WNBR graphic WNBR graphic WNBR graphic WNBR graphic WNBR graphic WNBR Bin Flag

Additionally you could include a QR code if you plan to have a flat area for messages. That way, bystanders with smartphones can instantly find the major WNBR websites to get the ride's messages. We would like you to link to our WNBR London website or Facebook page - but we've also included some other options - take your pick! They are all downloadable PDF files ready for printing

Bike rental

Bikes.jpg

We have again arranged preferential bike hire from The London Bicycle Tour Company. They will hire bikes to riders from 11am to 7pm (including WNBR seat cover which is yours to keep).

London's public hire bikes and several other rental firms and locations are available. Full details and instructions on how to pre-book your bike are on the London bike hire page.

If you are hiring or borrowing a bike, and you have a bare bum, you must cover the saddle. This will protect you from any dirt, as well as being polite to the next person who uses the bike. You can purchase a WNBR seat cover for £2 at any of the start points.

Weather

We've mostly had good weather at each of the UK rides so far, indeed stunning hot sunshine several times - don't forget the sunblock. The ride will not be cancelled in the event of rain, but it just might be shortened. If so, follow the Marshals' instructions.

Skin is more waterproof than clothing, but bring warm dry clothes to change into after the ride, and keep them dry. A large, thin plastic bag (such as you get from your dry cleaner) could be an effective protection if you want to seem naked in the rain. Maybe we can beat the Vancouver record for most naked riders in the rain!

For a five-day weather forecast, visit one of Met Office, MetCheck or BBC Weather (and choose day).

  • The event will take place whatever the weather – please come prepared for rain, cold or blazing heat!

PA equipment

Use of PA equipment or amplification within the Serious and Organised Crime Police Act (SOCPA) zone should be avoided, as it is not-legal. We recommend turning off any sound amplification for the sections of ride along Whitehall, Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge and York Road.

Health & safety

Footware is required for safety
  • Footwear is required in order to allow riders to come to a safe emergency stop.
  • Helmets are not compulsory. We advise you to consider the evidence on cycling safety and helmets, then take your own decision on whether to wear a helmet or not.
  • Bicycles are to be ridden in a manner appropriate for use on the road.
  • All riders should be seated on appropriate seats in line with The Highway Code. Don't take passengers on luggage racks or handlebars.
  • Owing to safety concerns, runners are no longer permitted in the World Naked Bike Ride in London.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

If you still have questions, see the United Kingdom FAQ and global FAQ. Visit both pages to find out answers to your questions. We've tried to avoid an overlap of information.

Getting Involved

If you're thinking about getting involved Check out the London Get Involved page

Links

There are a number of London Links relevant to the themes of the event.