Ride the Lights: Blackpool’s free 1 September ride
Blackpool Promenade will become a glowing cycle route on Tuesday 1 September as Ride the Lights returns for a free evening preview of the Blackpool Illuminations. The event runs from 7pm to 10pm between Starr Gate in South Shore and Red Bank Road in Bispham, with no booking required and riders welcome to join at any point.
Designed for families and friends, Ride the Lights is a relaxed community ride rather than a race. Participants can cover as much or as little of the promenade route as they are able, while decorated bicycles add their own moving displays to the illuminated seafront.
Join anywhere along the promenade route
There is no fixed distance that every participant must complete. Cyclists can enter the route at any suitable point between Starr Gate and Red Bank Road, making it possible to plan a shorter outing or ride a larger section of Blackpool Promenade.
The ride is open to all and free to attend. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, while VisitBlackpool highly recommends that every participant wears a cycle helmet.
The tramway will continue operating throughout the event. Riders are asked to take particular care around North Pier and the Metropole Hotel, where the cycle route and working tramway require extra attention.
Bike lights are compulsory after dark
Every bicycle must have at least one white light at the front and one red light at the rear. Those minimum lights are a safety requirement, but riders are also encouraged to turn their bicycles into miniature Illuminations displays with colourful lights, lamps and lanterns.
Decorations should not replace the required front and rear lights. The event’s creative theme gives families and groups a chance to devise their own designs before arriving, whether they choose a simple line of coloured lights or a brighter arrangement of lamps and lanterns.
Marshals and first aiders will be positioned along the route. Bike Doctors and support vehicles will also be available to assist with breakdowns during the ride.
Plan to finish before the road reopens
The road is due to reopen to traffic at 10pm. Participants should plan their distance and turnaround point so they can reach their destination by that time, and they must remain aware of traffic if they are still travelling after the reopening.
Charities may also use Ride the Lights as a fundraising opportunity by inviting supporters to take part and seek sponsorship.
Live filming and photography will take place during the event, and images may later be used by VisitBlackpool for promotional purposes. Anyone who does not want to be included should contact the VisitBlackpool Web Team.
Ride the Lights takes place from 7pm to 10pm on Tuesday 1 September along Blackpool Promenade, from Starr Gate to Red Bank Road. Entry is free, no booking is required, and each rider must arrive with a working white front light and red rear light.
Source: Visit Lancashire Events
Context & actions About this article
Source check Source trail
The date, times, route, entry conditions and safety information were drawn from the published Ride the Lights event listing.
- Confirmed the event date and operating hours as 1 September, from 7pm to 10pm.
- Checked that entry is free and the ride is open to all.
- Verified the route between Starr Gate and Red Bank Road.
- Retained the published bicycle-light, child supervision and tramway safety instructions.
- Source
- Visit Lancashire Events
- Scope
- Blackpool
- Updated
- 2026-08-10 17:13
Source check
Report a trust issue
Send a clear signal to community moderation if the source, facts or context need review.
Comments