Southampton

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Bike Week

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!

About the 2007 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

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

We have notified the police of our intention to ride in protest against oil dependency and in celebration of our bodies. They are fully aware that many/most of our riders will be nude and partially nude as we cycle a route through the streets of Southampton. They are not expected to prevent our nudity.

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 was represented at the following Southampton events.

SOUTHAMPTON UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT & ETHICS WEEK
Wednesday 25th April 10am - 3pm
Building 42, University Highfield Campus, SO17 1JB
web site

ENVIRONMENTAL ROCK
Saturday 28th April 12 noon - 6pm
The Hobbit pub, 134 Bevois Valley Road, Southampton, SO14 0JZ
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 June 2007 "Naked on a bike through Southampton!"

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