World naked bike ride

For our latest installment of Naked News we travel to New Zealand.

One hundred cyclists of all ages and in various states of undress - some fully clothed, others naked - rode from Tarakohe to Pohara on Sunday for a cause they strongly believe in.

There was almost a carnival atmosphere at Golden Bay's third annual World Naked Bike Ride, as spectators lined part of the route, with many waving and cheering as the cyclists rode by.

The slogans painted on their bodies included "Burn fat not oil", "I'm safer on my broom" and "Blink (bike lanes nurture kids)".

Here is what motivated a few of the participants:

Some riders said they were offended by Tasman Mayor John Hurley's comments on Friday that they were "just a bunch of radicals trying to grab a headline" and that the police should arrest any nude cyclists.

"He obviously hasn't got the message that we need safe cycle lanes in Golden Bay," said partially clothed Takaka backpacker hostel operator Peter Woodward, whose dog travelled behind him in a trailer.

Wearing nothing but a thong, Golden Bay Kayaks manager Nigel Marsden said Mr Hurley's "inflammatory comments" had pushed him into taking part in the ride.

Onekaka craftsman Peter Greer joined the ride wearing just a strategically placed willow basket he had made.

"The mayor is obviously not in touch with his constituents. We have to do something about the lack of safe bike lanes. If we have to bare all to get some attention, we will do it," Mr Greer said.

One of the cyclists riding totally au naturel was Golden Bay resident John Calermbo. "It's a marvellous way of shrugging off the shackles and letting your hair down," he said.

Musicians Caitlin and Sika Rose, of Clifton, rode with their two children, seven-year-old Shemaya and toddler Jaya, in bike seats.

Here's the irony of the event. You have people riding with minimal clothing and a police officer says this:

At the start of the event, Sergeant Arthur Clarence of Takaka police told the cyclists to "have a good ride" but warned them that the police would deal with anyone not wearing a helmet.

Nudity? OK. No bicycle helmet? No way.

My final question is: Isn't anyone concerned about the perineum? I mean, without clothing there isn't much protection.

(via Fark)