Points to bare in mind

11:06am Thursday 14th June 2007

I participated in the Brighton section of the World Naked Bike Ride on Saturday. As your article showed (The Argus, June 11), it was a great occasion and it was met with cheers and clapping by onlookers.

But apart from the fact it was fun, the ride also had a serious message - that we do have to become more conscious of the destructive effects of oil dependency and car culture. It highlighted the vulnerability of the human body and celebrated the bike.

And thanks are due to the police cycling escorts - they were fantastic and I hope they also enjoyed the day.

I was only sorry such a "Brighton" occasion did not have the backing of the council. I saw only one councillor taking part (fully dressed). We are fortunate to have the Pride celebration every year and I would like to see the Naked Bike Ride given the same acceptance by the city. It will happen again next year - so let's have a bit of courage and, hopefully, a lot more participants. It is not compulsory to be completely naked - just "go as bare as you dare".

Joyce Edmond-Smith,
Bentham Road, Brighton