One witness at the event in Canturbury, Kent, said: "I heard
gasps and I turned around - it was a horrible sight"
Police were forced to intervene in a naked cycling event - after reports one of the riders got
'overexcited'.
The 'aroused'
cyclist was pulled aside and put his jeans back on before being spoken to by
officers.
Organisers of the
World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) said the rider was removed before the ride started
in Canterbury, Kent, on Saturday.
The naked rides,
which take place in cities and towns around the world, are organised to
highlight the dangers cyclists face from cars.
Participants are permitted to cycle naked but must
adhere to strict rules.
One witness said:
"Everyone was taking their clothes off to get ready for the ride. I heard
gasps and I turned around - it was a horrible sight.
"It's fair to
say he was overexcited and got aroused. It looked like he was enjoying the
event a bit too much.
"One of the
organisers went over to him and told him to put his trousers on while speaking
on a walkie-talkie to police.
"The man
looked sheepish when he was spoken to by the police."
In a response to complaints posted on Facebook, ride
organiser Barry Freeman said: "We do not accept this behaviour and he was
dealt with and removed before the ride started."
Organisers had
previously told participants: "The police have confirmed they WILL act on
ANY inappropriate behaviour and we, the organisers will support that.
"If you are
coming just to be a pain in the neck and to be the one to end this WNBR we'd
rather you stayed at home."
The riders left the grounds of Canterbury Castle at
about 3.30pm for a three-mile route around and through the city.
It is the third
time the daring demonstration has taken place in Canterbury.
Protesters can
cycle "as bare are you dare" but the rules state they must be riding bikes and
there should be no skaters, or runners and riders cannot wear face masks.
Under 16s must be
accompanied by an adult.
Organisers received complaints last year including
about one man who turned up naked without a bike.
Kent Police said
they kept a watching brief on the event.
Chief Insp Kevin
Dyer said: "The primary role of Kent Police in this event is to facilitate
any peaceful protest and officers have been working with organisers and partner
agencies with the aim of keeping people safe and minimising disruption to the
city."
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