A Naked Bike Ride is finally coming to Nottingham - seven years after the idea was first floated.
There had been online murmurings back in February that 2019 could finally be the year the bare-bottomed cycling event hit the city and now a date, time and location have all been confirmed by organisers.
The pedal powered protest - in which riders 'bare as they dare' to raise awareness about environmental issues - has been a recurring event in cities such as Bristol but had yet to cause a stir in Robin Hood county despite interesting dating back as far as 2012.
But now there is a date for interested parties to pop in their diaries.
The ride will be taking a route through Colwick Woods on Saturday, June 1, with participants meeting at 1pm for a 2pm start.
Folkestone-based Simon Terry, a regular naked bike rider since 2009, got the ball rolling at the start of the year but setting up a Nottingham Naked Bike Ride group on Facebook.
The 49-year-old says has been pleased with the response and expects 50 to 80 people to take part.
"I won't be leading the ride but I will be there," he says.
"I have travelled all over the country taking part in these events."
The ride is expect to last five to seven miles.
"It's not at all uncomfortable - you get used to it," he says, adding that the only downside to naked cycling can be the weather.
"If it's a bit wet we try and get it over with."
When picking a route they choose one away from residential areas. Simon stresses that it is a peaceful protest primarily to highlight environmental issues, as well as others close to people's hearts.
"I like the idea behind it and the social aspect of it too," he adds.
A Facebook group and Twitter page called Nottingham World Naked Bike Ride have been set up ahead of the proposed event. On both, the nude ride is described as a "demonstration that draws attention to the absurdity of fossil fuel dependency, celebrates the potential of cycling and the human body".
Last year in Bristol the naked bike ride also featured a large protest to signify the 24 cyclists that organisers said were seriously injured on roads in city the previous year. As part of the protest, 24 cyclists holding placards, 'died' by falling to the ground when their number was called, in a bid to show just how many people were hurt.
A city council spokesman said: “We are aware of this, but as it’s a lawful protest they don’t need our permission and nor can we stop it going ahead. We will monitor and aim to address any impact it may have on traffic flow.”
He added that Nottingham has one of the best sustainable transport systems in the country, including excellent cycling facilities, and has committed to be carbon neutral by 2028.
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