Up to 1,000 participants are expected to join Brighton's fifth annual World Naked Bike Ride environmental protest on Sunday June 13.

The Brighton leg of the international event has quickly grown to 700 riders last year, from 160 in 2006, and has become a regular fixture in the city's summer calendar.

Nick Sayers, co-organiser of the ride, said:
"The popularity of the ride demonstrates that people in Brighton are really up for it, not just throwing a party, but showing their passion and creativity in tackling environmental issues and the need to remedy the destructive effects of car culture".

Over 50 cities across the globe host World Naked Bike Rides, including seven in the UK, many on the same weekend as the Brighton event. The rides are part of a movement celebrating bikes and body power, demonstrating cyclists' vulnerability and protesting against the dominance of cars and the pollution they cause.

Meeting in The Level, Ditchling Road at 12 noon, cyclists will pass many of Brighton & Hove's famous landmarks before finishing at Black Rock naturist beach in Kemp Town for a post-ride dip in the sea.

Vicky Etheridge, fellow organiser, said:
"Cyclist or not, all of us are naked against the car fumes that get into our lungs, not to mention the effect they have on global warming. This event allows us to express and challenge our vulnerabilities with a spectacular mix of seriousness and celebration. It offers up another possibility of city streets being reopened to the people."

The event, and nudity, have been cleared with Sussex Police, who will escort the protest. The UK rides are part of national Bike Week.

For more information visit:
worldnakedbikeride.org/brighton