AN MP has slammed this weekend’s controversial naked bike ride through Clacton as “offensive exhibitionism”.

Riders are due to set off from the Toby Carvery, in Marine Parade West, at 2pm on Saturday. Some will be wearing nothing more than a cycle helmet.

They claim it is an “environmental protest against car culture and a celebration of the bicycle and the body”. It is the second year running the event has been held.

But Clacton MP Douglas Carswell is determined to prevent it becoming a regular fixture in the resort’s calendar.

He has written to the police – although officers admit they are powerless to stop the ride because it is not illegal.

Mr Carswell said: “There is a legitimate right of protest in this country, but this nude cycle ride is, in my view, just exhibitionism."

Tendring Council and the police have both called for the event to be cancelled.

The route has been changed this year to take the naked cyclists away from the town centre.

The council has published the route so people can avoid the bizarre spectacle.