AN ANNUAL naked bike ride raised eyebrows in the city last weekend.

The Chelmsford Naked Bike Ride returned to the city the third year..

The unusual cycling event saw about 12 riders strip off their clothes and jump on their bikes.

The congregation joined together at Market Square at about 2pm and set off on a route around the city centre.

Organisers of the World Naked Bike Ride claim it is an environmental protest against car culture and urge riders to come “as bare as you dare”.

It was met with bewilderment and amusement by members of the pubic.

But organisers say baring all and saddling up is a celebration of bike and body, and helps draw attention to cyclists’ vulnerability on busy streets.

Despite the event causing quite a stir, organisers insist that it is perfectly within the l a w.

Despite a common misconception, it is not actually illegal to be naked in a public place.

Organisers claim that under Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, an of - fence is only committed if a man intends to cause alarm of distress by exposing his genitals, so there is nothing illegal with what they are doing.

Further Essex rides are happening in Colchester on July 8 and in Clacton on July 15.