A MURAL has been painted celebrating Brighton’s Naked Bike Ride, writes Daniel Woolfson.

Brighton and Hove City Council and arts company Brighton Think Big commissioned graffiti artist Req to create the piece.

The mural on Providence Place in Brighton is promoting this year’s ride, which takes place on Sunday.

The mural shows cyclists taking part in the ride, which aims to raise awareness of environmental issues such as the need for renewable energy sources and cyclist-friendly streets.

Req said: “I’m all for the idea of people being themselves and feeling good about their bodies.

“If someone lends me a bike I might take part.”

Nick Sayers, ride co-organiser said: “When I heard about the mural I felt enormously honoured that cycling has become such a part of Brighton’s culture.

“It shows enormous open-mindedness on the part of Brighton and Hove City Council that they commissioned this.”

The event takes place as part of National Bike Week and coincides with naked rides in London, Manchester, York, Southampton and |Cardiff.

The ride will be followed by a clothes-optional after party from 5.30pm onwards at the Sand Sculpture Festival, next to Black Rock naturist beach.

Participants are invited to gather at The Level at 12pm on June 8, with the ride beginning at 1.30pm.

Participation in the ride is free but entry to the after party costs £4.50.