THEY’RE off...literally!

It is one of the biggest naked events on the south coast.

Around 150 cyclists are set to bare all as part of the World Naked Bike Ride in the streets of Southampton tomorrow night, in a cheeky protest against the world’s dependency on oil.

The protesters will set out from Southampton Common in their birthday suits and helmets at 6.30pm tomorrow, for the city’s fifth annual ride.

The event attracted 130 protesters in 2010 and as many as 160 three years ago.

But organiser Rob Jordan thinks this year’s cycle could be the biggest yet.

“Well over 100 people have signed up to the ride, so I’m confident that, weather permitting, we can get closer to 200 people down there taking part,” he said. “Our best turnout was about 160 people a few years back, but we think we could beat that this time around. It would be fantastic if we did.”

Portsmouth is also set to host its first ever ride tomorrow afternoon, as Hampshire unites in its efforts to convince people to ditch their cars and go green.

But that leg of the global event has been marred by controversy, with almost 1,000 of the city’s residents signing a petition against the naked cycle.

“The opposition to the cycle seems to be solely a Portsmouth problem,” Rob said.

“We haven’t really faced any opposition at all, certainly not on that scale.

It’s only been a small number of people who have objected to it in Southampton. The majority of people seem to be very supportive of the ride and the message behind it.”

Hampshire police have even decided not to attend the event this year, such is the public support for the ride. Sgt Chris Challis said: “It’s the fifth time the ride is being held in Southampton and there have been no issues in the past.

“We are confident this will be the case again this year.”

Southampton’s cyclists will tackle a six-mile route, setting off from the Common, before heading through Portswood and the city centre and returning to the start point via The Avenue.

The event forms part of the World Naked Bike Ride, which began in 2004.