We totally agree RnR. As part of next months H&E I write that naturists need to pull back on travelling anyway, at least until planes become more linked to usuing renewable energy sources. Not stop altogether but not make it so regular. If we respect the world now it will allow for greater naturist travel in the future. 

Naturism needs to be something that people can get to and take part in simply and efficiently and for it to be common place in large towns. Everyone should have a space relatively local to them. Many people don't have local clubs, swimming sessions or beaches, and in recent years some swimming sessions are being forced to lose their family status by the venues. 

I think there are some interesting discussions on this topic a head and maybe it will lead to an organised campaign to take to our local councils. I would be interested in hearing proposal ideas. 

So far I haven’t had any negative reactions to nakedness on public beaches. I’ve noticed that people generally ignore it. To the point I wonder if they actually notice it at all. This vastly opens up the options for nude recreation without having to travel miles.

 

I’ve recently found a local group of naturists with similar ideas.  Hauraki Naturally. They’ve done bike rides on public trails. Are also keen hikers. I’m looking forward to expanding some horizons with this group.

 

The only downside of involving councils on an official level is that you’re creating a rod for your own back. If nudity isn’t illegal it’s just a matter of exercising that freedom.

[blockquote class='siteforum_icon_quote']Steve ANW said: A big part of naturism in countries like the UK is having people understand that it is lawful and should be accepted. Having officially sanctioned areas would help give official backing, which in turn will encourage others to try it, which in turn will have more people trying naturism in non-official but suitable places, like country walks and beaches.   [/blockquote]

I think this is spot on, Steve. Naturist federations would need to lead this movement with the help of local volunteers. A sustained national communication campaign, relayed by local actions can gain momemtum and help people to accept and embrace naturism more widely!

MystrD wonders if people notice at all. I think this is a fair thiong to ponder. We often assume that other people are interested in but most people are so wrapped up in themselves that they barely notice others unless they specifically draw attention to themselves. How many first time naturists are concerned that everyone will be staring only to find that no one does. 

It is the same in most situations. Our 12 year old assumes that everyone is watching and judging his every move and worries about messing around in case people see and think it isn't cool, we are always telling our children that no one really takes any notice of other people if they are just going about their business with no wish to offend or attract attention.
 

I have looked at some of the WNBR videos (mainly from the one close to me, Philadelphia, PA) and agree with what Robin and Rin say.  Perhaps it's the fact that any one individual is there in a much larger group that allows them "be themselves" and not recoil from the nudity.  We are so conditioned to feel that it's wrong unless it's fine art (sculpture, painting and perhaps now photography) we shoud be shocked. Note here that I'm discussing the spectators and not the riders.

As to Anna's comments about negative comments from Americans, I have to agree with her.  I think this type of outburst has only been amplified by social media (mainly Twitter) and many of these folks now have an outsized podium to be in front of.  In general (and in full knowledge that ANW has a Facebook "look and feel") I do believe that Facebook and Twitter have more negative aspects than they do positive ones.  The genie however will not be put back in the bottle at this point so for better or worse this is the world we live in.