AS A dedicated cyclist I wish to share my misgivings about the World Naked Bike Ride due to take place on June 21.
Ostensibly, those partaking do so to highlight the vulnerabilities of cyclists. While I applaud such a laudable sentiment, it is doubtful those who witness the passing of the undressed cyclists on Friday will heed this message. I suspect many will be amused, some will laugh and a significant minority will be offended.
As an individual of libertarian persuasion, I do not acknowledge that anyone should be free of insult in an open society. However, I do accept the notion not to cause unneeded offence when this could be avoided.
Cycling in a group naked will only serve to reinforce widespread negative opinion of cyclists, will be viewed by some as antagonistic and be counter-productive to the excellent work undertaken by the CTC, Sustrans and other lobby groups on behalf of cyclists to improve road safety and awareness.
So while I do wish the riders of the World Naked Bike Ride all the best, and hope the event passes without incident, I cannot support it, and would implore those taking part to look for other ways of furthering their goals.
Baz Buchanan, Teal Drive, York.
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