
Hundreds of cyclists stripped off and pedalled through the streets of London today as part of an annual protest against car culture.

Wearing body paint and trainers - and little else - scores of environmentally-aware riders braved the summer downpours to take part in the London leg of the World Naked Bike Ride.

The event, which first took place in 2004, is intended to raise awareness of the danger of cycling and the 'car centric' culture in the capital. Three cyclists were killed in London in the last month.

Writing online, organisers said the gathering is: 'A peaceful, imaginative and fun protest against oil dependency and car culture.

'A celebration of the bicycle and also a celebration of the power and individuality of the human body. A symbol of the vulnerability of the cyclist in traffic. '

Cyclists set off from six points around the capital at different times this afternoon, meeting at Hyde Park Corner, at around 5pm. Each route is roughly nine miles long and offers a flat and easy ride, according to organisers.

The website states: 'We try and ensure the route goes past many of the London landmarks where it will be seen by people on the streets. This helps to promote the goals of the protest ride whilst letting you see London whilst doing something a little bit different.'

Participants painted themselves with slogans including, 'Just another cyclist in your way', 'nude not crude' and 'no fracking'. Others decorated their bodies in colourful patterns - giving the event a festival-like atmosphere.

Dozens of bystanders lined the streets to watch the group cycle past - many with their smartphones at the ready.

Dare to bare: Hundreds of cyclists stripped off to ride through the streets of London in protest against car culture

Attracting attention: Dozens of bystanders lined the streets to photograph the cyclists as they pedalled through central London

Festival atmosphere: Participants covered their bodies in brightly-coloured designs - and some even added accessories to their looks

Pedalling in protest: Riders took part in the London leg of the World Naked Bike Ride to raise awareness of cyclists on the roads

Green thinking: Hundreds of cyclists took part in the event today, setting off from six different points around the capital

King for a day: One cyclist added a touch of fun to his barely-there ensemble with a red sash and a bejewelled gold crown

Nude sight seeing: The routes criss-cross through the streets of London, taking in as many of the landmarks as possible