A campaign group has "urgently requested" a statement from City of York Council about how cycling safety can be improved to reduce accidents.

The group behind York Naked Bike Ride says someone is injured in a bicycle accident in York every 34 days.

York Naked Bike Ride is being staged on Saturday. Cyclists are encouraged to cycle in the nude (or in as much or as little clothing as they like) in a peaceful demonstration for improved road safety.

The idea behind the nakedness is to partly depict the vulnerability of cyclists, but also to celebrate body proudness, organisers say.

The ride starts at Millennium Bridge at 4.15pm this Saturday (June 10) and follows a five-mile route, finishing at 5.30pm.

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On Wednesday (June 7), the event organisers, John Cossham and Anna Semlyen, went to City of York councillors to request a 'cycling policy statement' to be read out on the day.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy and Transport at City of York Council, said: "We are committed to improving active travel facilities and safety across the city.

"The council is developing cycling policy through the new Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, which will identify York’s key walking and cycling networks and then prioritise improvements to them both.

"This sits alongside the Local Transport Strategy, which covers the whole city and all road users. This is a top priority and will guide our actions in the coming years.”

The organisers are asking the council for 20mph speed limits for arterial and village roads in and around York, plus a safe systems or Vision Zero policy to work towards eliminating traffic casualties, as has been introduced in London, and will be implemented in Wales later this year.

Anna Semlyen said: "As a still-limping since 1992 road victim, I ride for cyclist safety.

"My call is for City of York Labour group to agree and fund a Vision Zero policy. 

"To get more people on bikes, reduce traffic and pollution, please make 20mph the default for as many roads as possible. Evidence says there will be 20 to 40 per cent fewer built up road casualties."

John Cossham added: "York has some good cycling facilities like off-road paths and Advance Stop Lines, and some traffic lights allowing cyclists a few seconds priority to get through intersections first.

"But for the benefit of all road users, we need extensive slower speed limits and joined-up cycle lanes.

"The World Naked Bike Ride highlights cycling as a healthy, clean, climate friendly transport solution that needs more funding. It's fun, with lots of support from onlookers as we ride by."

The Naked Bike Ride is free of charge with no need to book, and will be marshalled by North Yorkshire Police.