NAKED cyclists are set to bare all as an annual protest against car culture takes to the streets of Colchester following a three-year hiatus.

The annual “bare as you dare” naked bike ride returns to the city next month for the first time since 2019.

The Colchester event will begin at 2pm on July 16, while Clacton’s ride will start at 2pm on July 23.

Those taking part in Colchester’s ride can meet participants at the start line, in the shadow of the Jumbo water tower.

The route will take in the town centre, Cowdray Avenue, St Andrew’s Avenue and the Hythe.

The Clacton ride will start outside the Toby Carvery, in Marine Parade West.

Organiser Robert Brown said: “We managed to host the Clacton ride last year, the others didn’t go ahead because of Covid lockdowns.

“We are back this year and we are delighted to be hosting our events.

“We’re not sure how many people will turn up – one year in Clacton we had 140, another year we had 20. It does sometimes depend on the weather.”

Nude cyclists first descended on Chelmsford and Colchester in 2015.

In the past the event has attracted people from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Argentina.

The organisers, Four Seasons World Naked Bike Rides, describe the vent as a “worldwide environmental protest”.

The events are billed as a stand against the destructive elements of car culture and a celebration of the bicycle and the body.

The website says: “By cycling naked we show the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets, we aim to promote cycling as a sensible and fun means of transport and demand practical changes to make cycling a safer alternative to car travel.

“Nudity optional, come as bare as you dare.”

Organisers say the event is not illegal because public nudity is permitted unless you are naked in order to cause, or with the intention of causing, alarm or distress.

Participants are urged to read up on the legislation via the organisers’ website before taking part.