World Naked Bike Ride in Cape Town cancelled amid pushback

The World Naked Bike Ride in Cape Town, which takes place annually on the day before the Cape Town Cycle Tour, was cancelled due to growing pressure from local authorities.

Marthinus Pretorius, a coordinator and representative for the World Naked Bike Ride in Cape Town, explained that the event, which usually receives the City of Cape Town's support, faced hostility and was met with conditions, such as requiring participants to be fully clothed.

He said the race had to be pulled as it made it difficult to proceed.

“We have been struggling to get answers… We normally give notice to the City that we are going to do a protest, and then there is a meeting in line with the Public Gatherings Act. In that meeting, they would give us the go-ahead.”

Pretorius added that the event has been held for 18 years without incident.

He emphasised the importance of drawing attention to the issues faced by the naturist community and promoting body positivity.

“We have reported it and filed a complaint with the Commission for Language, Religious and Cultural rights.”

To listen to Pretorius in conversation with CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below: