World Naked Bike Ride to return to Sussex this weekend

The ride will take place on Saturday, September 12, with participants gathering at Preston Park from midday. The new date was chosen after a postponement, in June, due to protest clashes.

Participants will set off at 2pm, following a route of around seven miles through the city before finishing at Black Rock Naturist Beach.

The event is part of the international World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR).

The organisers said: “Come celebrate bikes, bodies, and low‑impact living with hundreds of joyful riders.

"This annual mass ride happens in over 50 cities worldwide, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

The event is a ‘clothing-optional mass cycle ride’, which aims to protest against car culture, promote cycling as a safe and sustainable form of transport and celebrate body positivity.

The organisers say the event is ‘non-sexual’ and community-led.

They describe the Brighton ride as an opportunity to ‘celebrate bikes, bodies, and low-impact living with hundreds of joyful riders’.

A key message for anyone considering taking part for the first time is that riders do not have to be completely naked.

The organisers said: “The motto is ‘as bare as you dare’.”

They added that participants commonly choose everything from full nudity to underwear, swimwear and costumes, while body paint, slogans, masks and other accessories are also encouraged.

Fully clothed participants are welcome too, with organisers saying they can take part as supporters.

The event also has a number of rules intended to keep the ride safe and appropriate.

Organisers said: “No sexual behaviour or lewd acts; anyone doing this will be asked to leave and police may be notified.”

They are also asking participants not to photograph other riders without their consent.

Participants are also asked to be clothed when using public toilets and to use a seat cover, towel or cushion when using shared or rental bikes.

The organisers say the event is intended as a peaceful, non-sexual protest and celebration, and that they work with police and set conduct expectations for participants.

As well as highlighting cycling and sustainable transport, organisers say the ride aims to draw attention to the vulnerability of cyclists on the road.

They are also encouraging participants to come prepared, particularly those joining for the first time.

Advice includes bringing a roadworthy bike with checked brakes and tyres, suitable footwear, water, snacks, sunscreen and a towel or seat cover.

Riders are also advised to bring clothes for before and after the event, together with a bag or lock.

The ride will finish at Black Rock Naturist Beach, with an informal beach gathering planned from around 4.30pm, weather permitting.

In previous years, the Brighton event has attracted up to 1,000 participants.

The organisers are also looking for volunteers to help with setting up and clearing up, ride marshals, stewards, donation collecting and body and face painting.

They added: “Children are welcome and should be accompanied by an adult carer.”

Naked bike rides are deemed as legal if run as an ‘organised, non-sexual protest’.

The event website reads: “In England and Wales, public nudity itself is not automatically illegal under the Sexual Offences Act 2003; it becomes an issue only if someone intends to cause alarm, harassment, or distress. Organisers work with police and set conduct.”

The Brighton World Naked Bike Ride will gather at Preston Park from 12pm on Saturday, September 12, before setting off at 2pm.