SCORES of people stripped off to take part in the World Naked Bike Ride in York.

The bike ride is held in cities around the world and was picked up in York in 2006 as a protest against oil dependency and car culture.

Riders gathered at the Millennium Bridge before setting off on the 90-minute course taking in Ouse Bridge, Coney Street, Clifford’s Tower, Micklegate, the Mount and Knavesmire.

John Cossham, a regular participant in the event, said: “If we just had an annual bike ride, wearing normal clothing, we would get minimal publicity for the issues... anthropogenic climate change, peak oil, pollution, dangerous roads, the genius simplicity of the bicycle.

“Riding naked is fun, feels nice and free, and draws attention to these important subjects, encouraging debate.”

John said he hoped it would also lead to society’s attitudes changing.

Nudity was not essential, and anyone was welcome to join the ride, which bears the motto As Bare As You Dare.

York Press: The Press - Comment

Baring a message

SATURDAY’S naked bike ride sent as strong a message as the poverty report, but in a fun way.

It was the sixth running of the event, and riders set off from Millennium Bridge to raise awareness of cycling and encourage people to choose more environmentally friendly modes of transport.

As ever, cyclists daubed themselves with logos or showed only a certain amount of flesh.

Others, though, were happy to express their barefaced cheek.

Let’s hope they remembered their factor 15.

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