Naked Cycle London
Thousands of naked cyclists filled London streets Reuters

Thousands of naked cyclists have taken to the streets of London for an unconventional protest on Saturday afternoon.

The World Naked Bike Ride London event was to protest against car culture and oil dependency, according to the Evening Standard.

Cyclists departed from six starting points around city including Hyde Park, Regent's Park, King's Cross, Clapham Junction, West Norwood and Tower Hill before joining up and finishing near Wellington Arch, Hyde Park corner.

The routes taken by the cyclists are traditionally considered tourist areas, and many were surprised to find nude cyclists on the roads.

Warning: Graphic images below

Although most bike riders were naked except for their helmets, some decided to cover up by wearing underwear or amusing costumes.

Transport for London reported roads busy roads as the cyclists made their way to Hyde Park.

Previous events in London and elsewhere in the world have seen cyclists coated in body paint, adorned with playful messages including "less gas more ass" and "Burn bras not fuel".

On 30 May a participant in a naked bike ride protest in Kent was briefly detained by police, after being found to be in an "aroused" state.

A witness said the man, "was overexcited and got aroused. It looked like he was enjoying the event a bit too much".

Barry Freeman, an organiser for World Naked Bike Ride said: "We do not accept this behaviour and he was dealt with and removed before the ride started."