Record numbers bare all for bike ride

HAYLEY GALE/Nelson Mail

CLOTHES OPTIONAL: Participants get under way in the World Naked Bike Ride at Tarakohe.

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Golden Bay's World Naked Bike Ride has become a tourist attraction.

In one of the biggest turnouts since the event began five years ago, more than 100 people bared their bodies to cycle the 3km along the coast road from Tarakohe to Pohara's Totally Roasted Cafe on Saturday.

Visitors hailing from as far afield as Spain and Canada joined local residents to "reclaim the streets" for bikes. A global event, other Naked Bike Rides took place simultaneously in Brazil, Sydney and Brisbane.

Spectators lined the route, cheering as cyclists went past. None protested against the ride and at least one passing female motorist drove topless, waving to the riders to demonstrate her support.

While many cyclists wore nothing but body paint and helmets, other participants took part in fancy dress, which ranged from a recycled bubble wrap bikini to a full-length purple ball gown.

People of all ages took part, with one "young at heart" participant wearing the slogan "Give Way to Elders". Other body-painted environmental slogans included "Bi-cycle your plastic" and "Burn fat, not oil".

Cyclist Lynnda Moore, from British Columbia, Canada, said riders wanted to send out a clear message which was as applicable in Canada as it was in Golden Bay.

"We should be getting out of our cars and start using our bikes," she said.

Golden Bay participant Lolly Dadley-Moore said it was a real pity there were still no bike lanes, given the large number of cyclists at the event.

Event organiser Victoria Davis said it had been "a brilliant day" and a great way to demonstrate the wide-ranging benefits of cycling.

- © Fairfax NZ News