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Hundreds of cyclists stripped off and rode through London to protest the city’s “car culture” for the annual World Naked Bike Ride.

Naked or partially clothed cyclists paraded through the capital to highlight the vulnerability of cyclists, protest the use of oil and celebrate “body freedom”.

The annual ride, which launched in 2004, trails through the city past central London landmarks including Whitehall, Parliament, Westminster Bridge, Covent Garden, The Mall and Wellington Arch, where the race finishes.

Participants of all shapes, sizes and ages are encouraged to strip off – as much as they dare – and adorn themselves in body paint and colourful decorations.

It is part of a global event which, as well as protesting the use of cars, aims to encourage drivers to be more vigilant of cyclists on the roads.

Some cyclists painted themselves with messages such as “burn fat not oil” and others wrote "why can't I do this every day".

Bystanders took to social media to express their bafflement or delight at seeing the crowd of naked riders.

One person wrote: “Just witnessed a group on a naked bike ride through London. It was quite magical in its own mad way.”

Another wrote: “So.... just witnessed the naked bike riders going through London central. Very cheerful bunch too. #LoveLondon”

And one added: “Naked bike ride past Downing Street, god I Iove this city!!”