Mayor backs bid to stop nude cyclists

Tasman District's mayor is backing efforts to ban a nude bike ride, partly because participants don't always wear cycle helmets.

John Hurley, who signed a petition against the ride, says the Golden Bay event, now in its third year, had offended locals before.

He said police would look like "fools" if they did not arrest the cyclists, but Takaka police have concluded that tomorrow's ride is not illegal.

About 100 people are expected to take part in the clothing-optional ride from Tarakohe to Pohara, in Golden Bay. It has been organised to highlight the issue of safer cycling and to promote alternative forms of energy.

A 200-strong petition against the ride was presented to police yesterday. Mr Hurley said he signed to reflect public opinion.

The nude riders were cyclists rather than nudists, "a bunch of radicals trying to grab a headline".

- NZPA