So sorry to say it, but here is the news you were probably expecting to hear.
The World Naked Bike Ride in London will not take place on 13th June. Participants and spectators should not go to the start locations.
WNBR London has considered current circumstances and concluded we must take a cautious approach for the safety of our participants and the general public. We assume it will still be unwise to encourage public gatherings in June.
We have seen no reliable evidence to indicate when it will be safe to take the ride onto the streets so we have not proposed a new date for the ride. It is possible that there will be no ride in 2020. We will review the situation at each of our monthly meetings and have the ability to mount a ride at short notice if circumstances change. We will let you know if there is any news. Our next update should be around 14th May.
The ride has been increasingly popular over the past 16 years, with its fun, attention-grabbing campaign for safer cycling along with healthier environment, lifestyles and behaviours. This year was planned to be the biggest ride ever, with 8 start groups covering over 53 miles (85Km) of London’s congested and polluted streets, crossing 14 Thames bridges on the way, and merging into a spectacular 1,000+ rider peloton.
But this June we will be focused on safety for all, and grieving for the suffering of many of our participants, supporters and the public at large. We particularly applaud the many of our supporters who are active in the response to this global crisis.
It’s Not the World Naked Bike Ride
We will not be riding on 13th June – but that doesn’t mean we cannot mark the date. This year we will be campaigning safely with activities that are “Not the World Naked Bike Ride”. Watch out for announcements about how supporters can join us not on the ride.
Cycling during the lockdown
We echo the views of experts and other cycling campaigns that cycling is a valuable activity during times of lockdown and social isolation. As a means of transport for essential workers it is far safer than using public transport. In terms of accident prevention, it is a much smaller factor than the driving of motor vehicles. Practised with due consideration for social distancing it is an excellent, healthy form of exercise.