Naturist Cyclist Assaulted During Charity Event
A 59-year-old naturist who was violently attacked while participating in a naked charity bike ride has spoken out to defend the practice, insisting participants are not perverts. Rob Brown was cycling through Colchester, Essex on August 9 as part of a Four Seasons World Naked Bike Ride event when he was punched from his bicycle by motorcyclist Lee Turnage, 46.
Violent Attack Leaves Lasting Injuries
The assault occurred in broad daylight as Brown and other riders were participating in the event, which aims to protest against car culture. Turnage was later handed a suspended prison sentence at Ipswich Crown Court for causing actual bodily harm. The impact sent Brown crashing onto the pavement, leaving him with significant injuries that continue to affect him three months later.
The website designer now relies on a walking stick for longer distances and suffers from grazing to his hands, arm, and legs. I do find it very hard. If I drop something, I can't bend my knee to pick it up, Brown explained. I'm alright getting around my house but when I walk outside, I need my walking stick.
Defending Naturism as a Philosophical Belief
Brown, who serves as ride leader of the Clacton division of the Four Seasons World Naked Bike Ride, has been a naturist all his life and has participated in charity rides across the globe. He described the attack as an occupational hazard but emphasised that it shouldn't be.
We are not perverts, Brown stated firmly. I've never been embarrassed about a naked body, it is the plumbing that's different. It's nice to let the air get to every part of you and be yourself.
According to British Naturism, which defines naturism as a philosophical belief in a natural, naked lifestyle, there are believed to be as many as 6.7 million naturists in the UK. The organisation stresses that nudity itself is not illegal when not intended to cause alarm or distress.
Legal Precedent and Changing Attitudes
Brown attended Turnage's trial and believes his case has set an important legal precedent. The judge made a point of saying the assault was worse for me because I was naked, he revealed. My case is a first. It has set a legal precedent. Judges haven't had another case to base their decisions on at crown court level and now they have.
The naturist hopes the public will familiarise themselves with the law surrounding naturism and recognise it as a lawful hobby. Nudity anywhere in the UK, whether it is socially or private, is perfectly legal, Brown explained, referencing guidance from the College of Policing that protects naturists' right to freedom of expression.
Brown noted that public reactions to naked bike rides are often positive, with most spectators cheering and waving. However, he observed that having female participants in their group tends to pacify onlookers, while all-male groups often face prejudicial comments.
No child has ever been harmed by the sight of a naked body and never will, Brown asserted. We just hope to change people's mindset. Despite the attack, the determined cyclist vows to continue participating in naked bike rides, stating: If I don't go on another ride then he's won. It won't stop me.
