Nude cyclists will be riding through Brighton and Hove as the city hosts its first World Naked Bike Ride.

Up to 100 people are expected to bare as much as they dare to protest against oil dependency and the vulnerability of cyclists on roads.

Brighton and Hove will be among 40 cities around the world joining the June event, which will also be a celebration of the human body.

Plans are at an early stage but organisers hope to start the gentle seven-mile ride from The Level and complete it about two hours later at Black Rock via the Palace Pier, the Royal Pavilion, Churchill Square, Hove Town Hall and the West Pier.

This should give people enough time to reach London for the capital's afternoon protest if they wish.

Wearing just a pair of flip-flops and a cycle helmet, Nick Sayers, 33, from Hove, was part of the 250-strong protest in London last year.

He is organising Brighton and Hove's first this year.

The graphic designer said: "Brighton is a place with many alternative-minded people so I thought it would go down well.

"I received an email about it last year and the words attracted my attention because you don't normally see world, naked, bike and ride together.

"I thought it would be a bit of a laugh but then I looked on the site and read the environmental message which tied with my beliefs that there are too many cars and we in this country are raging wars to get oil - and it's time for change.

"The scariest part is taking your clothes off but once they're off it feels really normal.

"It was the most empowering and downright hilarious thing I did all year. It was an amazing feeling cycling down the streets.

"You felt like a celebrity because so many people were taking photos and the smiles on people's faces were priceless because they're not able to believe what they're seeing and they're in complete shock."

Mr Sayers said motorists held up by the demonstration "gawped with amazement" rather than venting their frustrations by beeping their horns and shouting.

He said: "It's a jaw-dropping wake-up call for environmental responsibility."

Riders can wear as little as they feel confident with. The bare-all contingency are joined by others wearing shorts, swimwear, bras, body paint, wigs and sunglasses.

Decorated bikes are also welcome. Numbers for the 10am ride on June 10 are growing. The route needs to be finalised with Sussex Police and a shorter route may be planned if the weather is bad.

For more details, visit: groups.yahoo.com/group/wnbr-brighton .