Herne Bay Matters
Strict rules for nude ride through city centre
DOZENS of cyclists chose to bare all in Canterbury this weekend, with a naked bike ride through the city centre. Starting from the grounds of Canterbury Castle, riders stripped down to body paint and hi-vis jackets, before taking to the streets for two hours on Saturday afternoon to raise awareness of cyclist vulnerability on UK roads, as well as dependence on fossil fuels. This year’s controversial ride was the second time Canterbury took part in World Naked Bike Ride day. A page on the group’s website set out a strong list of ‘do’s and don’ts’ for riders to follow on the day, after last year’s “inappropriate behaviour”. It read:
“If you are reading this because you are thinking of coming to the start/finish area not to participate but just because you ‘like seeing naked girls’ (as one creep told the media last year) the police have been informed and have been asked to remove you. All riders MUST carry clothing with them on the ride and dress if they are forced to drop out of the ride for any reason. A special and important message to male participants: Should you become ‘aroused’, you will pull over to the side of the road and cover yourself or dress immediately.”
According to the group’s organisers, the event was a success, with 59 riders taking part. Police spoke to one male rider for his behaviour which was described by one of the event’s marshals Michael Nugent as “inappropriate and not condoned by any of us”. Lots of locals and tourists were on hand to talk to the riders, or watch the event, despite a notice from Canterbury City Council’s twitter account warning people who might find the naked bike ride offensive to ‘steer clear of the city’ at the weekend.
Herne Bay Times, June 4th 2014
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