Warning: This article contains images of nudity.
The World Naked Bike Ride returns to London for 2026, meaning hundreds of nude cyclists will be out and about on two wheels one Sunday in June.
The event takes place in more than 200 cities around the world, and has been a London fixture since 2004. While it's all good fun, the World Naked Bike Ride has a serious message too, acting as a memorable but peaceful message with the following aims:
- Protest against the global dependency on oil
- Curb car culture
- Obtain real rights for cyclists
- Demonstrate the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets
- Celebrate body freedom
The key word here is "peaceful" — organisers are at pains to ask everyone taking part to behave legally and respectfully.
When is the London nude bike ride 2026?
The World Naked Bike Ride 2026 takes place in London on Sunday 14 June. That's a big change this year: For the first time, the event is taking place on a Sunday instead of a Saturday. Organisers said:
In recent years, the Saturday has become increasingly busy with more traffic, events, road closures, road works, diversions, crane operations, crowds, protests, counter-protests, police lockdowns, and, of course, the Trooping of the Colour. In 2024 we had to rearrange almost everything to avoid the clashes and closures. In 2025 we managed to stick to the plan, but it was hard work
Can anyone take part in the London Naked Bike Ride 2026?
Yes, anyone's welcome, as long as you are physically capable of cycling the route, you behave respectfully, and are willing to get at least a little bit naked.
'Be as bare as you dare' is the dress code for the event. Happy to let it all hang out? Crack on! (So to speak.) Want to keep your underwear on to protect your modesty? Absolutely fine. Want to don a mask, a headpiece or some sort of fancy dress as a disguise? You do you! However, for safety reasons it's recommended that everyone wears shoes (and a helmet is a jolly good idea too). Body paint, bike decorations, flags, banners and the like are also welcome, as long as they don't interfere with anyone's safety.
Oh, and if it's a remotely sunny day, sun cream is advisable. There are some places that should never, ever get sunburnt.
London World Naked Bike Ride route 2026
There are several main London routes for the World Naked Bike Ride, including an accessible route for anyone who can't manage the full length of the other routes. All routes have a different starting point (and time) as follows:
- Clapham Junction
- Croydon
- Deptford
- Hackney Wick
- Kew Bridge
- Regent's Park
- Tower Hill
- Wellington Arch
- Accessible route, beginning near Waterloo station and the London Eye
All routes converge around Westminster Bridge for a grand finale near Wellington Arch at around 5.30pm, with more than 1,000 riders expected. If you're not taking part yourself but are planning on spectating, please do so respectfully, particularly with regards to taking photos of individual riders.
After this, there's an official after party for riders in Cannon Street — it's a ticketed event, aiming to raise money for the World Naked Bike Ride. Although everyone involved does so voluntarily, there are costs involved, such as radio equipment, insurance and road closure fees. Details for the 2025 after-party, including location, are currently TBC.
The World Naked Bike Ride 2026 takes place in London on Sunday 14 June 2026. It's free to take part — just turn up at the start of one of the routes with your bike... and little else.
You can see (NSFW) photos from previous rides here and here.
All images supplied by the World Naked Bike Ride.
