SOUTHAMPTON'S World Naked Bike Ride has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers have announced that the event will not go ahead this year due to Government advice around the current coronavirus crisis.

Daily Echo:

In a statement on Facebook, organiser Barry Freeman said: "With the evenings drawing in and with no improvement in the coronavirus pandemic situation it is now clear that, despite our best hopes, there will not be a 2020 World Naked Bike Ride in Southampton.

"In fact, matters got a little worse today: legislation introduced today (Friday, August 28) also now means that anyone who organises or facilitates a gathering of more that 30 people that is in the breach of coronavirus regulations risks receiving a £10,000 fine.

Daily Echo:

"Members of the public who attend also risk a £100 fine, which can double for each incident up to a total of £3,200.

"Stay safe and we'll hopefully be able to ride in June 2021."

Last year, dozens of cyclist got together to bare all as they rode nude through the city.

Daily Echo:

The event was held in a bid to highlight the hazards cyclists face as well as the truth of the environmental crisis.

The ride began at Southampton Common, with participants painting slogans such as ‘nude not rude’ on their body.

Daily Echo:

John Reagan, 53, a chef from Portswood, took part in the ride in 2019.

Speaking to a Daily Echo reporter at the event, he said:” Cycling is a safe way to travel.

Daily Echo:

“We are doing this to make people aware. There are loads of us on the roads.

“Why can’t they see us when we have clothes on but they can see us when we are naked?"