Ride the Lights returns to Blackpool Promenade on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, giving cyclists a free preview of the Blackpool Illuminations before the road re-opens to traffic at 10pm.
The event is a non-competitive Cycling event, open to all and suitable for families and friends. No booking is required. Riders can join at any point along the promenade route, from Starr Gate at South Shore to Red Bank Road in Bispham, and can cycle as much or as little of it as they are able.
VisitBlackpool describes the ride as a chance to get out on a bike, enjoy the lights and add some creativity of your own. Participants are encouraged to decorate bikes with colourful lights, lamps and lanterns, turning the Blackpool Promenade into a moving display before the Illuminations season gets fully under way.
A free ride along Blackpool Promenade
Ride the Lights is built around a simple idea: the promenade becomes a shared cycling route for one evening, with riders setting their own distance rather than lining up for a race.
The route stretches along Blackpool Promenade between Starr Gate and Red Bank Road. That makes it flexible for different ages, fitness levels and family groups, because riders do not have to complete the full distance to take part.
The source information confirms the event is free and open to all. Charities are also welcome to use the evening as a fundraiser by encouraging supporters to take part and get sponsored.
Bike lights, helmets and children’s supervision
The most important preparation is lighting. Every bike must have at least one white light at the front and one red light at the back.
Helmets are highly recommended for all participants. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, a detail worth planning around if families are riding in mixed groups or arranging to meet along the promenade.
The creative side of the event is part of the appeal, but decorative lights should sit alongside the required front and rear bike lights. VisitBlackpool encourages riders to design their own Illuminations-style display with colourful lights, lamps and lanterns.
Support on the route, with tramway care needed
Marshalls and First Aiders will be on hand along the route. Bike Doctors and support vehicles are also expected to be available to help with breakdowns.
Riders are asked to be aware that the tramway will remain operational throughout the ride. The source highlights the area around North Pier and the Metropole Hotel as a place where cyclists should take special care.
The road re-opens to traffic at 10pm. Participants are asked to plan their ride so they can reach their destination by that time, and to be aware of traffic after the road re-opens.
What to know before setting off
| Detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Event | Ride the Lights |
| Date | Tuesday, 1 September 2026 |
| Venue | Blackpool Promenade |
| Route | Starr Gate, South Shore, to Red Bank Road, Bispham |
| Cost | Free |
| Entry | No booking required, open to all |
| Format | Fun, non-competitive bike ride |
| Road status | Road re-opens to traffic at 10pm |
Anyone who does not wish to be included in live filming or photography at the event is asked by VisitBlackpool to contact the VisitBlackpool Web Team.
Source: Visit Blackpool Events
Source check Source trail
This preview is based on the published VisitBlackpool event information for Ride the Lights.
- Confirmed the event date as 1 September 2026.
- Checked the venue and route as Blackpool Promenade from Starr Gate to Red Bank Road.
- Confirmed the event is free and open to all with no booking required.
- Included the published safety notes on bike lights, children, tramway awareness and the 10...
- Source
- VisitBlackpool
- Scope
- Blackpool
- Updated
- 2026-06-11 18:30
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