Almost everything you need to know about the ride

Following the test ride on Saturday, WNBR London can now confirm details for the ride on Saturday 14th August 2021.

Behaviour

WNBR is a peaceful, fun, lawful protest that get its messages across by generating public interest. We intend other road users and spectators to be pleasantly surprised and take notice. We do not behave badly! Please encourage everyone to follow your good example.

Starts and routes

The location and timing details for all 9 start options are confirmed as previously announced.

Start locations, rail stations and bike hire are shown on this Google map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1Wmk2gVMnNv3dp97eEMuyGjrtyl2G6J1i&ll=51.48466370286718%2C-0.15702699999997094&z=12

If you want advice about choosing a start, please see our blog at: https://wnbrlondon.uk/choosing-your-wnbr-london-start-in-2021/

There will be changes to the route. In particular, the Covent Garden area is blocked with restaurant tables so it is not practical to get 1,000+ bicycles through there.

We have also made several changes to reduce the risks from Covid-19. Most importantly, we are reducing the amount of time you spend stationary and the size of the gatherings whilst waiting to move on. Assembly time should be just 15 minutes. At the rest stops you should take around 10 minutes then move on, following one of the marshals. At the finish you should get dressed and leave straight away.

We will not be waiting for other groups to catch up. If they do meet that’s OK. The point is to keep you moving and reduce bottlenecks. At the finish we want you to dress and leave as soon as possible. Do not create a bottleneck! If you want to take a break at the end, please move into the park and find a quiet spot.

Onward rides

This year the Croydon and Clapham Junction groups have an optional return ride. If you want to take part in a return ride, please try to keep in sight of your ride leader throughout the ride. They should have recognisable flags on their bikes. They will not be hanging around at the finish waiting for everyone to turn up.

There is also some discussion on social media about forming a group to ride to the afterparty venue. WNBR London is not organising that ride so you would need to check on social media to find out what is happening.

Reducing Covid-19 Risks

Participants should do their best to ensure they are not at risk from the virus. Nobody should ride if they have symptoms or have had a recent positive test. We recommend riders take a lateral flow test in the morning of the ride, use sanitiser and keep their masks on, particularly when stationary.

Social contact will be minimised:

• Time at starts, finishes and rest points will be as short as practical.
• Start groups will not wait for all other riders to be present before moving on.
• Riders should disperse as soon as they reach the finish.
• Participants should socially distance when stationary.
• No bodypainting at starts.
• The afterparty has been cancelled.

WNBR London takes place on the public streets of London. Nobody can control the actions or behaviours of the public. Participants should endeavour to avoid crowds and interactions with strangers.

Bike Hire

The Santander “Boris Bikes” also remain a good option for the Central London starts. You can check locations and availabilities at https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/santander-cycles/find-a-docking-station.

Several other bike hire outlets and street bike hire options are available. Limited supplies of WNBR seat covers will be available for £2 at most of the starts.

Joggers, skaters, boarders and scooters

We disapprove of jogging, roller skating, skate boarding and scooters on the ride for two reasons. Firstly, because it’s not cycling and this is a campaign that promotes cycling. Secondly, because people travelling in those ways are much more visibly exposed to spectators, so are far more likely to generate complaints and police intervention. This could impact on the trust we have with the authorities. It is also still illegal to use an escooter except if it is from an official hire trial. Having said that, we cannot control who uses which type of vehicle on the public streets of London, so you will probably see some of these riding along with us.

Bicycle Maintenance and Service

Please make sure your bike is safe and reliable! This year we have bike service specialists, Fettle, helping out before and during the ride.

Fettle are offering 10% off services ahead of the day, so you’re not left in the lurch. Use code: NAKEDFETTLE. You can find out more or book a service here: https://www.fettle.cc?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WNBR21

Fettle will also be on-hand at the second rest point, offering free safety checks and emergency repairs – so be sure to pop down and say hello!

Flags, bodypainting and decorations

We love to see flags, bodypainting, fancy dress and decorated bikes! This year, Ken has organised a flag-making session for the Friday evening. The location has changed since it was first planned. It is now at Hackney Wick Underground (next to DOH) – 66 White Post Lane, E9 5EN. It’s easy to get to – right across the road from Hackney Wick Overground Station. You can party and make flags from 14:30 to 23:00. (You may arrive/leave anytime). This meet-up will be in the same spirit as the ride – be Bare As You Dare! More info at https://www.facebook.com/events/984659942363806.

Another casualty of our risk reduction is that there should be no walk-in, organised bodypainting at the starts. Please do make private arrangements and arrive painted if you want to. And maybe there’s just time to paint a quick motto on yourself if you bring the paint.

Download signs from our website to print and attach to your bike. See https://wnbrlondon.uk/wnbr-london/need-to-know/decorations/.

Weather

We ride in almost any weather – hot, cool, sunny, dry, wet, windy! If the sun’s out, bring some suntan cream. The best thing to do if it’s wet is put all your clothes into a waterproof bag along with a small towel. You’ll find your skin is one of the best waterproof coverings you could use. Make sure you have somewhere safe to put your phone and other valuables.

Afterparty

Please be advised this is a “Covid pass” venue, so all staff and guests need to show a vaccine card (the app or paper copy) or have done a lateral flow test in the last 24 hours. You can show the test, email or print out.

It’s not a WNBR party – so there’s no ticketing, donations, or organised entertainment etc. Some riders have been discussing riding there together, but WNBR London is not organising that so look out on social media for more info.

The venue is Electrowerkz, 7 Torrens St, London EC1V 1NQ – which is back behind Angel tube station. Here is a link to their FB page. Hope you keep safe and enjoy it: https://www.facebook.com/electrowerkz.

What more could we tell you?

There’s loads of info on our website. Please do have a browse around to familiarise yourself with the ride, its mission and its methods.

After 26 months waiting, we are really looking forward to seeing you there!

WNBR London
https://WNBRLondon.UK