HUNDREDS of naked cyclists saddled up and rode through the city in celebration of "human-powered travel".

People from across the city gathered at Preston Park on Sunday before stripping off and getting on their bikes for a cycle around Brighton.

Men and women mingled for almost one hour, painting on their bodies and hanging flags in a festival-like atmosphere, before setting off at 2pm.

It was the first time the ride had taken place since it was called off during the Covid lockdown the last year.

The nude cyclists, who decorated their bikes and set off to loud music blaring from speakers mounted on cycles, were joined by clothed officers from Sussex Police.

Dozens of officers stopped traffic as the crowd left the park and headed towards the Royal Pavilion.

From there, the “naked sightseeing” took them past the seafront, Palace Pier, i360, The Lanes, North Laine and Kemp town, before finishing at Black Rock naturist beach for a post-ride swim and picnic.

One of the organisers behind the event, Steve Sims, said: "We had to postpone last year and we've had to push it forward to now - it's usually in June - but we have got lucky. This is a really good turnout - we are very, very pleased.

"Police always assist and they are always very good to us.

"I never get nervous. First time, yes, but it's all by the board now.

"Riding a bike naked is no more uncomfortable than riding with clothes - there is nothing to chafe."

The annual event aims to "empower" participants in a celebration of car-free, human-powered travel while "demonstrating the vulnerability of human bodies in urban traffic".

Hundreds waved flags as passersby waved in support of the group.

One rider who wished to remain anonymous said he missed the event over the last year.

"We weren't sure if we were going to get a good turnout or not," he said. "The numbers are better than we thought."