Shoppers likely to be offended by the sight of bare-bottomed cyclists are being advised to avoid Canterbury when the World Naked Bike Ride returns.

The ride, which is a cheeky campaign to raise awareness of the over-reliance on cars and vulnerability of cyclists, will take place during the afternoon of Saturday, May 28.

But city council spokesman Rob Davies said: “If people are likely to be offended by this event, we’d suggest they do what they need to do in the city during the morning and steer clear in the afternoon.”

Participants will gather in the grounds of Canterbury Castle from 2pm before setting off at 3pm on a route through the city.

Dubbed Ride as Bare as You Dare, organisers say full nudity is not a requirement, but most of last year’s 34 cyclists were naked.

While some might consider it harmless fun to make an environmental point, not everyone finds it entertaining.

Writing on Facebook after the last ride in the city, Amanda Campbell said: "I think it’s terrible doing it through a city with lots of young children about. Who wants to see all their nether regions hanging out?"

Anita Gaisford added: "I’m all for standing up for what you believe in, but I do feel that there may be an alternative way to get your voice heard."

Organisers say there are strict guidelines for participants and last year one rider who became “aroused” at the assembly area was removed from the event.

Mr Davies said: “Our events team received one complaint last year, in advance of the event.

“The cyclists do not need permission for the actual event, but we will be allowing them to use the castle grounds for undressing and dressing. We understand the ride will take place for most of the afternoon and will take a route from the castle to the city council offices and back, using a variety of main and side roads.”

Organisers advise participants to visit www.worldnakedbikeride.org for more information or to sign up.