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The World Naked Bike Ride, often dubbed the "nude Tour de France," has ignited a debate over freedom of expression and public indecency as several stages of the event have been banned by authorities. 

Initially launched in London in 2004, this annual event gained attention for its unique blend of climate activism and nudism. However, recent restrictions have sparked an outcry, with climate activists condemning the bans as a form of "state intimidation."

The event, which aims to raise awareness for climate change and biodiversity, as well as promote the acceptance of nudism, garnered little attention during previous European rides.

This year's tour, which began on August 8th in Nantes, western France, faced challenges from local authorities. Seven stages were banned under the premise that nudism equates to sexual exhibitionism in public spaces, in accordance with the penal code. 

This legal interpretation has drawn criticism from François Feunteun, president of Le Mouvement Naturiste (The Nudism Movement), the organizing body of the ride.

Undeterred by the bans, the participants of the World Naked Bike Ride remained committed to their cause. Despite the arrests and prohibitions, they insist they are bringing attention to environmental concerns while advocating for public nudity.

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 The event has previously amassed thousands of participants in London and other locations.

The clash between the event's intentions and the law has led to tensions between organizers and the authorities. 

Mr. Feunteun's arrest during a stage in Millau near Clermont-Ferrand, central France, sparked controversy and accusations of "state intimidation." He voiced frustration at being treated as both an "ecoterrorist" and a "sexual delinquent." 

History of arrests during the World Naked Bike Ride

In 2004, Conrad Schmidt organized the first World Naked Bike Ride. He had previously put together the Naked Bike Rides of the group Artists for Peace/Artists Against War (AFP/AAW).

The initial message of the WNBR was a protest against oil dependency. And a celebration of the power and individuality of the human body. 

In 2006, there was a message shift that focused on cycling advocacy. And by 2020 the event had become all about climate change and fossil fuel dependency.

The first WNBR had events in 28 cities, in ten countries on four continents. By 2010, WNBR had expanded to stage rides in 74 cities, in 17 countries, from the United States to the United Kingdom and Hungary to Paraguay.

Two male riders were arrested during the 2005 WNBR in North Conway, New Hampshire, and charged with "indecent exposure and lewdness".

Six male riders were charged with public indecency during the 2005 WNBR Chicago ride and later prosecuted with sentences ranging from fines and non-expugnable conviction to three months of court supervision.

In 2007, during the first World Naked Bike ride in Denver, Colorado police surrounded the bike riders and wrote several people tickets.

During the WNBR held on June 12, 2010, two males were arrested by campus police at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington.