Southampton
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Southampton had a really successful first ride in 2007, with 102 riders setting off. The Police allowed us to ride naked, and confirmed no complaints from the public. The riders experienced cheers and smiles as we completed a 6 mile tour of the City. The threatened rain held off long enough for us to finish the ride and even to have leisurely naked picnic at the finish. A great evening! Photos coming soon!
Contents
Next ride
Date: Friday 6 June 2008
Time: 6pm (ride will set off around 6.30pm)
Location: [1], East side of Southampton Common at the clearing next to Highfield Road and opposite the junction with Omdurman Road.
About the 2008 Ride
Assembly Point
We will meet in the clearing next to Highfield Road and opposite the junction with Omdurman Road. It's also close to the pedestrian underpass if you are approaching from the western side of the Common. Here's a google map showing the spot. If you are using a GPS device, the closest postcode is SO17 1BF.
At 6.30pm we'll hit the streets of Southampton on our beautiful bikes. If you have roller blades, skateboards or other (non-carbon emitting) wheels feel free to use them. The ride will take about an hour most likely.
Dress Code
Come as bare as you dare. Nudity makes a great statement, and many of us will be completely naked, but if you're more comfortable in a little clothing, that's fine too. In previous years, riders have worn shorts, bras, swimwear, body paint, wigs, sunglasses etc. Most wear footwear and bring bags to carry clothes. Body painting and adornment, customised bikes and other creative expression are all strongly encouraged.
Route
(TBC) A 5.8 mile route taking in Portswood, Bevois Valley, City Centre including Oxford Street, and returning via The Avenue to the start location. You can see the full route here.
Legality
Simple nudity isn't illegal in the UK, but using nudity to intentionally cause harassment, alarm or distress may be illegal. Don't act offensively and you are very unlikely to be arrested.
Public Transport
The start location is a 3 mile ride from Southampton Parkway railway station, which is a main stop on the London Waterloo to Bournemouth and Poole line. Local stations at Swaythling and St Denys are closer still.
Planning
There is much planning still to do and assistance would be appreciated! Please get in touch via southampton [at] bikenaked.org if you plan to ride or if you are able to help.
Events
The World Naked Bike Ride hopes to be invited once again to these Southampton events.
SOUTHAMPTON UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT & ETHICS WEEK
web site
ENVIRONMENTAL ROCK
web site
Planning Meeting
Next planning meeting to be announced shortly.
Press Releases
- 14 May 2007: World Naked Bike Ride comes to Southampton
- 17 May 2007: Over 1,000 Naked Cyclists Expected in Five UK Cities for World Naked Bike Ride Weekend
Press Coverage
- Southern Daily Echo 7 June 2007 "Naked on a bike through Southampton!" (scanned image)
- Southern Daily Echo 9 June 2007 "May the flesh be with you!" (video) (scanned image)
Personal Photos and Footage
Photos
Footage
Links
Websites
- WNBR UK (This page has FAQ info and links to the other UK rides)
See also United Kingdom page
Discussion groups
- WNBR Southampton Yahoo! group for riders and people interested in helping to organise the ride.
- WNBR UK Yahoo! group for Announcements and discussion of all UK rides.
- Facebook group for discussing the London and Southampton rides
