AKIPRESS.COM - Hundreds of cyclists will bare all when they take to the streets of London this week for the World Naked Bike Ride, reports Independent.

The annual ride, which is also taking place in various other cities, will protest against car culture and oil dependency, as well as highlighting the vulnerability of cyclists on the road.

First held in the capital in 2004 with just 58 participants, this year’s event will take place on 11 June from six starting points across London.

The bare-bottomed riders will cycle a 9 mile journey through the capital of the United Kingdom, riding past some of its most famous landmarks including Big Ben and Piccadilly Circus, concluding at Wellington Park at Hyde Park Corner.

Canterbury, Southampton, Cardiff and Bristol have already hosted the event, with scores of riders wearing bright colored body paint to ride in protest through the cities.

The ride encourages a carnival atmosphere and all riders are encouraged to participate “as bare as you dare”.

In advance of this year’s London event, organizers have asked people “not to undress until just before the protest moves off, as this will undermine our positive relationship with the authorities.”

“There is no law against nudity in Britain,” they add, “but please don't exercise your right to nudity in London before the ride, as it will impact on our ability to make arrangements with police.”

The event will be held in more than 50 cities across the world this year. Around 3,000 people are expected to participate in the U.K. protests, taking place until 23 July.