Naked cyclists could be saddling up for a ride through Ipswich next year
Onlookers watch the naked cyclists on their ride. World Naked Bike Ride at Clacton, on July 19 2014. Picture: Steve Waller - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
In the fortnight that the Full Monty has been driving women mad at the Ipswich Regent and the Puppetry of the “O er Missus” has brought tears to the eyes of male theatre-goers in town, it’s emerged that another event for the broad-minded is on the drawing board.
Organisers of the World Naked Bike Ride are hoping to bring the event to Ipswich next year – bringing a whole new dimension to the problem of saddle-soreness!
Naked bike rides have taken place in Clacton over the last two summers and this year the organisers are hoping to take it to Colchester and Chelmsford.
Next year they are hoping to get events running in Ipswich and Norwich – if organisers can be found.
Robert Brown organises the Clacton event, and is helping to plan the rides in Colchester, Chelmsford and Cambridge.
Because they are protests rather than events, the only authorities that need to be informed are the police – and he has never had any problem with them.
He said: “It is not an offence to be nude. It is only an offence to be nude if you cause distress or alarm. So it is legal to be out nude, but it would be an offence to drop your trousers in public.”
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The rides are a protest about the growing reliance on cars, the lack of cycle facilities, and the need for better cycle safety.
They have been taking place in London for many years, and have now grown so large in the capital that they have six different starting points.
Mr Brown said: “The London events are very popular. The police are very happy about them so long as we tell them when things are happening.
“People love taking part and there are always well-wishers to wave us on and take photographs!”
A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said: “As with any protest, police do not take sides but aim to ensure public safety and allow lawful freedom of expression. Officers will liaise with the organisers of any event and give relevant advice.
“If any criminal offences are reported police will investigate and take action as appropriate.”
