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http://uk.news.yahoo.com/050611/344/fkx04.html
A group of naked cyclists took part in a bike ride to protest against oil dependency and to "celebrate the human body."
Crowds gathered as about 100 people set off from Hyde Park corner, London, in the World Naked Bike Ride past some of the capital's most famous landmarks.
Most of them stripped fully naked for the 10km (6.2 miles) cycle past Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Covent Garden, Oxford Street and the United States Embassy.
Some bikes were decked out with banners reading 'Oil is not a bare necessity but a crude obsession' and 'Support the trade justice movement'.
Others have slogans painted on their backs and some were on roller-skates.
One of the organisers, Chad Neilson, 24, from North London, said part of the ride was to celebrate the human body.
"It's a protest against oil dependency and car culture and the overuse of cars for unnecessary reasons. There is too much pollution, it stinks in London, and we use too much fossil fuel. I think people should be a lot more comfortable with their bodies. There is nothing wrong with the naked body."
Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 exposing oneself is against the law if a man or woman does it knowing that they might cause alarm or distress.
A spokesman for Scotland Yard said an officer had the power to arrest if an offence had been committed but he added: "Speaking generally, officers clearly have the power to exercise their discretion." He said police were aware of the event and had reminded organisers to adhere to traffic regulations and the highway code.
The capital is one of 54 cities joining in the worldwide naked protest which is now in its second year.
A group of naked cyclists took part in a bike ride to protest against oil dependency and to "celebrate the human body."
Crowds gathered as about 100 people set off from Hyde Park corner, London, in the World Naked Bike Ride past some of the capital's most famous landmarks.
Most of them stripped fully naked for the 10km (6.2 miles) cycle past Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Covent Garden, Oxford Street and the United States Embassy.
Some bikes were decked out with banners reading 'Oil is not a bare necessity but a crude obsession' and 'Support the trade justice movement'.
Others have slogans painted on their backs and some were on roller-skates.
One of the organisers, Chad Neilson, 24, from North London, said part of the ride was to celebrate the human body.
"It's a protest against oil dependency and car culture and the overuse of cars for unnecessary reasons. There is too much pollution, it stinks in London, and we use too much fossil fuel. I think people should be a lot more comfortable with their bodies. There is nothing wrong with the naked body."
Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 exposing oneself is against the law if a man or woman does it knowing that they might cause alarm or distress.
A spokesman for Scotland Yard said an officer had the power to arrest if an offence had been committed but he added: "Speaking generally, officers clearly have the power to exercise their discretion." He said police were aware of the event and had reminded organisers to adhere to traffic regulations and the highway code.
The capital is one of 54 cities joining in the worldwide naked protest which is now in its second year.
