Ride the Lights in Blackpool: free promenade bike night: what residents need to know

BE beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-06-10 14:05 3 min read

Blackpool’s Ride the Lights returns to Blackpool Promenade on Tuesday 1 September 2026, giving cyclists a free preview of the Illuminations before the road reopens to traffic at 10pm.

The cycling event is open to all, with no booking required. Families, friends, casual riders and charity groups can join at any point along the seafront route, from Starr Gate at South Shore to Red Bank Road in Bispham.

VisitBlackpool describes the event as a fun ride rather than a race, so riders can cover as much or as little of the promenade as they are able. Participants are also encouraged to decorate their bikes with colourful lights, lamps and lanterns, turning the route into a moving preview of the Blackpool Illuminations.

Free ride along the Illuminations route

Ride the Lights uses one of Blackpool’s most recognisable stretches: the promenade, running between South Shore and Bispham. The route gives cyclists a chance to experience the seafront in a different way, with the Illuminations setting the tone for a night built around light, movement and family cycling.

The event is free, and the source listing says it is open to all. Riders do not have to complete the full route. That flexibility matters for families with younger children, mixed-ability groups and anyone who wants to join for a shorter section rather than make a full evening of it.

Charities are also welcome to use the event as a fundraiser by encouraging supporters to take part and seek sponsorship.

Lights, helmets and children’s safety

Every bike must have at least one white light at the front and one red light at the back. VisitBlackpool also highly recommends that all participants wear a cycle helmet.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The tone of the event is relaxed and non-competitive, but the source guidance makes clear that riders still need to prepare properly before joining the route.

The creative side is part of the appeal. Riders are invited to design their own Illuminations display on their bikes, using colourful lights, lamps and lanterns. The more visible the bike, the more it fits the spirit of the evening, while also helping riders stand out on a busy promenade.

Support on the route and tramway warning

Marshalls and First Aiders will be on hand along the route. Bike Doctors and support vehicles are also due to be available to help with breakdowns.

Riders should be aware that the tramway will remain operational throughout the event. VisitBlackpool specifically asks participants to take special care around the North Pier and Metropole Hotel area.

The road is due to reopen to traffic at 10pm. Riders are asked to plan their journey so they can reach their destination by that time, and to be aware of traffic after the reopening.

Photography notice for participants

VisitBlackpool says there will be live filming and photography at Ride the Lights. Images from the event may be used by VisitBlackpool for promotional purposes.

Anyone who does not wish to be included is directed in the source notice to contact the VisitBlackpool Web Team.

Source: Visit Blackpool Events

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This preview is based on the VisitBlackpool event listing and only uses details visible in the supplied source text.

Checks

• Confirmed the event name, date and venue from the source listing.
• Checked that the event is described as free and open to all.
• Kept the start time unspecified because the source did not list one.
• Included the 10pm road reopening and tramway safety warning from the source.

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VisitBlackpool

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Blackpool

Updated

2026-06-10 14:05

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Article contextPeople & topics#7

#Blackpool cycling#Blackpool Illuminations#Blackpool Promenade#Family Events#Free local events#Ride the Lights#VisitBlackpool

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