CYCLISTS SHOW OFF CHEEKY SIDE ( ) and a whole lot more too
SCORES of cyclists ditched their clothes to take part in the 2018 Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride yester- day. d
The summer showers didn’t drown the annual event as participants cycled eight miles through the t city centre either completely naked, semi-naked or wearing fancy dress to raise awareness of r road safety, specifically for those u using bikes.
The idea behind the ride is to make sure drivers keep an eye out for those on bikes – if motorists c can see cyclists when they’re not wearing clothes, they should be able to see them any other time.
The event started in 2004 – and t the Cardiff rides have been going s since 2007.
London and Brighton curr rently attract the most UK riders with more than 1,000 cyclists taking part in each, while the US city of Portland, Oregon, around 8,000 riders.
Dee Jenkins, one of the Cardiff ff organisers who has been involved in n the event for six years and donned d Red Indian headdress for the occa- sion, said: “The Cardiff World Naked d Bike Ride is a campaign, a protest t and a celebration.
“Much of what we do is to highlight t how vulnerable you are when you’re riding a bike. Our message is ‘if you can see me naked, why can’t you see me when I’m clothed’.”
While most of the cyclists aren’t naturists, Dee admits she has no qualms about stripping for the occasion.
“I’ve no problem with it whatsoever; I’ve always been outgoing and confident, you have to be to do this. It’s not a naturist event but those taking part aren’t shy.
“We have a very important message and our campaign is beginning to work – we are seeing more and more cycle lanes now.”
Many of the cyclists were using the event also to raise money for charities close to their heart, including Richard Eastell from Llandrindod Wells who was collecting donations for the Wales Air Ambulance.
Meanwhile, Gary Harper, 44, who’s originally from England but now lives in Australia, was making his debut in Cardiff but it was his 24th Naked Bike Ride.
“It’s all about getting the message out there about the safety aspect of cycling but it’s also a fun day.” attracts ts