THEY ARE the cyclists who dare to bare in their bid to tell the naked truth about environmental issues.

Once a year they strip off to take part in the World Naked Bike Ride, an eye-catching event that aims to focus attention of Britain's "car culture" and the dangers faced by cyclists.

Now organisers have confirmed that the headline-grabbing spectacle is returning to Southampton next month.

The event will take place on the evening of June 1, with a similar ride being staged in Portsmouth the following afternoon.

A spokesman said: "Contrary to reports a couple of weeks ago, there is no problem with Public Liability Insurance for any Naked Bike Ride registered with Bike Week during June.

"Anyone with a bike who is concerned about cyclist safety, the environment or society’s irrational attitude to non-sexual public nakedness is welcome to come along and take part.

"The by-words are 'As Bare As You Dare'."

Speaking after plans for the latest Southampton event were unveiled last October Satvir Kaur, the city council's cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: "We always welcome any event that gets people active while at the same time raising the awareness of important issues.

“The money spent by participants at any event, and by visitors to the city, is an additional and valued boost to the local economy.”

Held in towns and cities around the globe, the World Naked Bike Ride aims to celebrate "body freedom" as well as highlighting the vulnerability of cyclists and drawing attention to the ever-increasing use of fossil fuels.

One of the riders who took part in the 2014 Southampton ride had the words "less gas, more ass" painted on his back.

Some of the cyclists use bikinis, shorts and even huge hats to hide their modesty, but most are kitted out in their birthday suits.

Last year's Southampton ride saw dozens of naked and scantily-clad campaigners tackle a six-mile route that included Portswood, Bevois Valley and the city centre.

Drivers and pedestrians could bare-ly believe their eyes as riders stripped off for the one event that really is about bums on seats.

Organisers say simple nudity is not illegal in the UK, but using it to intentionally cause harassment, alarm or distress is the against the law.