UK section of the World Naked Bike Ride.
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QUOTES
This is the quotes page. These quotes can be used by the press when writing articles. The page starts with responses to the threat by Brighton Police to arrest ride participants who go nude. Scroll down the page to find general quotes about the ride by riders and supporters.
REGARDING THE THREAT OF ARREST AT THE 2006 BRIGHTON RIDE
"Collective nudity like that of an all-naked bike ride really does not warrant possible criminal sanction such as the threat of applying the Public Order Act. Further, it is unclear why the police in Brighton consider this behaviour threatening when the London police do not."
A spokesperson from Liberty (a leading human rights and civil liberties organisation in the UK)
(for further comment, contact Liberty Press Office: 0207 378 3656)
"The World Naked Bike Ride is an effective way of getting the serious message across that all road users are vulnerable to fumes and accidents, despite what the prudish police are saying. 32,000 people died prematurely last year from respiratory disease, the majority of which is caused by cars. Now that is offensive!"
Keith Taylor, Convenor of Brighton Green Councillors"The threat of arrest is bizarre. Like neighbouring London, Brighton is supposed to be a cosmopolitan, forward-thinking city. However, it seems the attitude of the authorities here is still that of a provincial, prudish backwater.
"The threat of arrest under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 is unfair, and possibly unlawful, given that the intention of riders is not to 'harass, alarm or distress', as stated in the act. Public nudity of this sort is permitted under the Exposure section of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which replaced the outdated 'indecent exposure' laws.
"We're bombarded in daily life with sexual images of scantily-clad, 'perfect' bodies. In contrast, WNBR is intended as a non-sexual celebration of the human body. The insistence that we cover up with underwear and swimming costumes, far from de-sexualising the ride, will make it more so.
"We sense that the police are using the Public Order Act as a catch-all to neuter this protest, despite the fact that it barely applies and would be unlikely to result in convictions. The worldwide rides mostly consist of naked smiling cyclists, and have never resulted in wide-scale panic or the downfall of civil order. Prudes can look away if they're so easily offended.
"The thousands of people who witnessed the ride in London last year were overwhelmingly enthusiastic, supportive and entertained. Only one complaint was received by the Metropolitan Police after the ride."
Nick Sayers, WNBR Brighton & Hove rider/coordinator
"Don't be imprisoned by the motor cars, but avoid them whenever you can. Likewise, don't be imprisoned with any sort of clothes unless they are needed for comfort."
84 year old participant London 2005 ride participant - Marguerite "Gran" Elsley of York, UK"I'm now a fit and healthy 84 year old, and I love being free from the restrictions of clothes. I also revel in living a car-free life. By remaining very active, I benefit from the pleasure that always follows exertion."
84 year old participant London 2005 ride participant - Marguerite "Gran" Elsley of York, UK"This is how I like to live - clothes free, car free, and care free."
84 year old participant London 2005 ride participant - Marguerite "Gran" Elsley of York, UK
“The World Naked Bike Ride is a novel way of calling attention to the planets problems with a particularly powerful message against our increasing dependency on oil and the car culture that leaves cyclists so vulnerable. It’s vital that we all cut down on our oil usage and make changes to our lifestyle. By ditching the car for a bike or public transport we can all make a real difference.
"With the Metropolitan Police in London being so accommodating this year the World Naked Bike Ride 2006 looks set to be an even greater success than last year."
Jean Lambert, London’s Green MEP"The naked bike ride is a fun event with a serious message - promoting cycling in the capital and ensuring cyclists can move around the city safely."
Cllr. Darren Johnson AM, Green Party Group, London Assembly"I wish you every success and wish I could ride with you, but I'd never live down the photos."
Cllr. Jenny Jones AM, Green Party Group, London Assembly