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Parents have reacted with anger after their children witnessed a naked bike ride through Cardiff city centre.

Cyclists stripped off for the World Naked Bike Ride in Cardiff on Sunday for the 8.5-mile event, which was organised to raise awareness of what facilities urban cyclists need.

The message from riders was “see us on the roads even when we’re not naked”, but many people with young children were angry.

Writing on Facebook, Diane Palmer said her nine-year-old daughter walked out of a shop in front of her to see about 100 naked men cycling.

She said: “My daughter has never seen a man naked before - to say I’m not happy is an understatement.

“Surely there is a better way to get the message across than scaring girls? She found it very disturbing. If it was a lone man I’m sure he would have been locked up and everyone would have enough to say - in numbers it seems to be “acceptable” - rubbish - NOT acceptable.”

The World Naked Bike Ride in Cardiff (WARNING full or partial nudity):

Meanwhile, another WalesOnline Facebook user said: “No child needs to see an obese naked man on a bicycle.”

Nicky Taliesin wrote: “I saw them as I arrived to play a football match at Sophia Gardens. There were children walking and riding through the park and I was tempted to call the police but instead asked at the centre’s reception what was going on.

“I can’t believe this event was allowed to go ahead. We have laws including things like watersheds on television which are in place to allow both freedom of expression, but also freedom of adults or parents choice to see or allow their children to see things which may be deemed as offensive.

“Everyone arguing that it’s right to let children see naked bodies and quoting that when we were devolved everyone was naked is just idiotic. Back then people also used to kill each other and live in caves. Are these also OK or would you like to live in the evolved world we actually live in.”

'Why is the human body offensive?'

But not everyone was shocked. Matt Miles said: “Good on those who took part.

“I find it quite sad how some people are offended by this. Why is the human body so offensive? Something wrong with people.”

Nigel Herriott added: “I find it a bit strange that people think that there is something so wrong with naked bodies that children shouldn’t see them.”

Christie Holland came up with a suggestion.

She said: “Perhaps the route and event time could have been more widely publicised so that those who take offense could’ve planned their Sunday elsewhere.

“We shouldn’t be afraid of causing offence with our bodies, this isn’t aggressive indecent exposure. Maybe worth getting a bit of perspective on this one.”

'Nudity makes a great statement'

Organisers explained: “It draws attention to society’s need escape motor vehicle dependency and focuses on the power and individuality of the human being.

“Nudity makes a great statement, and many of us will be completely naked again this year and the more that are the better - but if you’re more comfortable in a little clothing, that’s fine too.

“Some people find that wearing body paint makes them feel not naked, even if they might not be wearing any clothes.

“On previous rides, riders wore shorts, bras, swimwear, body paint, head-dresses, wigs, sunglasses etc. Most wore footwear and brought bags to carry clothes.

“Some started the ride in a few clothes, and shed them during the ride. Body painting and adornment, customised bikes, portable seed-trays and other creative expression are all strongly encouraged.”