Legs All Go on York’s World Naked Bike Ride Protest, 10th June 2023 4.15 from the Millennium Bridge

Cyclists will show off their beautiful legs from the Millennium Bridge at 4.15pm on a leisurely 5-mile city route past York's iconic views.

Some will reveal a lot more for the headlines for cyclist protection, the climate, body freedom and more.

Come join the 15th York World Naked Bike (WNBR), back after a 3-year gap.  The WNBR is a global protest for improved cycle safety and against the insanity of basing transport on fossil fuels.  There are 18 such UK cycle protests this summer and hundreds worldwide.  It’s York’s most beautiful protest.

Cycling is often an enjoyable, healthy way to travel. But it can be blighted by high speed (over 20mph) motorists and fumes from diesel, petrol, brake and tyre wear.  City of York Council could cost effectively make roads much safer to encourage this zero-carbon way to get about.

It’s a clothing optional protest. Wear what you want – fancy dress or undies etc. We demonstrate how vulnerable cyclists are and celebrate our human bodies powering our machines. WNBR is not a ‘naturist event' but a cycle protest to which naturists who cycle are welcome. Public nudity is legal in England and Wales in the context of a protest, art or leisure. Organisers thank the North Yorkshire Police who facilitate this activism.

What can you do for safer, cleaner roads? Please ask your City of York Council councillors for action and funding to raise cycling levels and safety.  Cllr Pete Kilbane is the cabinet member for transport cllr.pkilbane@york.gov.uk  York WNBR endorses York Cycle Campaign's fantastic '42 Ways To Transform York' manifesto https://yorkcyclecampaign.bike/42ways/ And the 20s Plenty  campaign to normalise more roads with a 20mph speed limit where people live, work, shop, play and learn with higher speeds only where the needs of vulnerable road users are provided for.  - central bridges for instance must go 20mph and villages. https://www.20splenty.org/

John Cossham, co-organiser said: "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."

Anna Semlyen co-organiser 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 safe systems/Vision Zero policy. 43 York cyclists killed or seriously injured on 30mph roads (2018-21) is too many lives ruined. To get more people on bikes, reduce traffic and pollution, please make 20mph the default for as many roads as possible including the villages, like Wales will in Sept. Evidence says there will be 20-40% fewer built up road casualties. The Welsh 20mph default will prevent over 12,000 casualties in 10 years”

All cyclists can come join our protest parade. No need to book. It’s free of charge. Wear what you like – body paint, a mask, slogans, naked, normal or fancy dress. All are welcome from the Millennium Bridge (Fulford side) at 4.15pm on Saturday 10th June. Ride till about 5.30pm

Labour Councillors have been invited to address the ride as they have power over the Highways budget.

We encourage supporters to post short videos (90 secs max) on why they cycle WNBR on our facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/york.wnbr). Videos will be cut together for a short film.  John and Anna’s videos have been uploaded.