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New Brighton 'naked bike ride' sparks anger, but it might be fake

An AI generated poster appeared on Facebook claiming to promote the event in New Brighton

[A large group on cyclists on Egremont Promenade]

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A large group on cyclists on Egremont Promenade

A poster claiming to advertise a naked bike ride through New Brighton has sparked an angry backlash. The poster, which claimed to be promoting the event, attracted mixed responses with some making jokes about the alleged bike ride while others raised concerns about children's welfare.

However, the ECHO understands there is no evidence to suggest the plans are real. The AI-generated poster was shared to several Wirral-based Facebook groups on August 6, claiming a bike ride was scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 22.

According to the poster, the ride's starting point would be at Perch Rock, with participants then to the Marine Lake in West Kirby where the run would be followed by a picnic on Hilbre Island, which is cut off from the mainland and only accessible during low tide.

The poster claimed the naked bike ride was "protesting lack of kindness" and that attendees could "Ride free, ride naked, ride together."

But questions soon arose around the authenticity of the event, given the poster's AI-generation and lack of available information elsewhere. There are no official event listings online.

Regardless, the poster has received hundreds of comments, consisting overwhelmingly of jokes, disagreement and concerns.

[Marine Lake in West Kirby]

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Marine Lake in West Kirby

One Facebook user said: "In front of kids? Joke or no joke, it's sick!" Another replied: "Nothing sick about a naked body. We've all got one."

Another commentor said: "Absolutely no need." While another concerned woman said: "Couldn't agree more! Impolitely gross and unnecessary." But another Facebook poster said: "If legit it sounds brilliant."

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police told the ECHO police are not aware of the event. The ECHO also asked the account sharing the poster to verify the ride, but did not receive a response. There is currently no evidence to suggest the event will be taking place.

The famous Brighton Naked Bike Ride, which is held annually in the south of England, was due to take place on June 13. But the event was postponed after organiser said they felt "unable to guarantee safety for riders."

Organisers behind the event said: "This is due to a clash with another protest announced this week, together with a counter-protest scheduled for the same day.

"This was not a decision we took lightly but, among the committee members, we felt we had no choice."

There is no indication the New Brighton and Brighton bike rides are affiliated

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