Judge Rules: Naked Cyclist Not Offensive

Naked cyclist Nick Lowe has successfully appealed against a conviction and fine for riding his bike nude near Upper Hutt.

Mr Lowe was convicted of offensive behaviour and fined $200 and $130 court costs after he was stopped by police while riding his bike naked on the Akatarawa Rd, north of Upper Hutt on March 15 last year – ‘World Nude Bike Day’.

A female motorist had complained to police after seeing him and later told the court she was ”fairly disgusted” when she saw him.

Mr Lowe appealed the conviction to the High Court.

In a ruling released today, Justice Clifford said Mr Lowe’s nakedness had not met the test of offensive behaviour and he quashed the conviction and fine.

Mr Lowe, a builder from Johnsonville, completed last year’s Coast to Coast naked from the waist down, and regularly trains in the buff.

He told The Dominion Post when he filed the appeal: “It’s a lifestyle thing – to put clothes on is uncomfortable. It’s not about exhibitionism, I’m just uncomfortable in clothes.”