Cold conditions for nude Melb night ride

Melbourne's cyclists are taking to the streets, many of them covered in little more than goose bumps in the nippy conditions, in the name of safe cycling.

Diners in popular eating precincts along Brunswick Street and Lygon Street are sure to get an eyeful as up to 50 naked people take part in the Winter Wonderland Bike Ride from 9.30pm on Friday.

They will be sure to stop traffic, all in the name of highlighting cyclist safety.

While clothing is optional, all participants will wear helmets and lights so they can be seen on the road.

"We expect a mix of people to take part in the ride - from university girls to older aged guys," organiser Dallas Goldburg told AAP on Friday.

"We're virtually naked on the road, compared to a car, and totally vulnerable."

Usually the ride is held in summer, but the winter ride gives Melburnians the chance to egg on those in the northern hemisphere who are taking part in the World Naked Bike Ride on Saturday.