We have been regular visitors of Blackpool the night before Blackpool Illuminations start for quite a few years. If you want to avoid the traffic during Blackpool Lights, this was always the time to go. More recently though, a fabulous FREE family friendly event has been taking place down the Blackpool sea front, Ride the Lights. Here is everything you need to know if you are visiting Blackpool in September and want to take part in Ride the Lights 2026, when you can have a go at cycling Blackpool Illuminations.
🚲 Ride the Lights at a Glance
📅 Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
🕖 Time: 7pm–10pm
💷 Price: FREE
🎟️ Booking: No booking required – just turn up
📍 Route: Starr Gate, South Shore to Red Bank Road, Bispham
📏 Distance: Around 6 miles one way
👨👩👧 Age: All ages welcome – children must be accompanied by a responsible adult
💡 Bike lights: A white front light and red rear light are required
🚗 Road closure: The Promenade is closed to traffic during the event
🚋 Good to know: Blackpool trams continue to run during Ride the Lights, so take extra care around tram tracks and crossings.
What is Ride the Lights Blackpool?
A family friendly cycle ride down the Blackpool Promenade, that is closed to other vehicles so much safer and more relaxed than cycling alongside normal traffic. Ride the Lights is not a cycle race – it’s just a chance to see a preview of the Blackpool Illuminations before they open to public cars the following day.
When is Ride the Lights?
Tuesday 1st September starting at 7pm until 10pm. The promenade closes to traffic around 6.30pm until approximately 11pm.
Where does Ride the Lights start and finish?
The official start point and route goes from Starr Gate, South Shore (The Pleasure Beach end) to Red Bank Road, Bispham.
The beauty of Ride the Lights is that riders can start and finish wherever they like across the route, making this a great family-friendly event for those with very young, inexperienced, nervous and even elderly cyclists.
How long is the Ride the Lights route?
The whole route is 6 miles one way, so depending on how you get there or where you park, you could be cycling up to 12 miles. As mentioned above though, cyclists are welcome to join in with the route wherever they fancy.
Also bear in mind that depending on how many people take part in Ride the Lights, it might take longer than an average 6 mile ride due to people stopping along the way and novice cyclists. This is a fun ride and definitely not a race!
How old does a rider have to be to take part?
There is no age limit, so if your little one has a bike and wants to take part, they are welcome to. All children must be accompanied by an adult though.
How much does Ride the Lights cost?
Nothing! This is a FREE family-friendly event.
Any rules on what bikes can take part?
No, you definitely don’t need a professional bike. There doesn’t appear to be any requirement for a particular type of bike. In fact, cyclists are encouraged to decorate their bikes with lights, lanterns and tassels – the crazier, the better!
You do need a white light on the front and a red light on the back of your bike though.
What should I wear for Ride the Lights?
Layers! Its Blackpool sea front and that can mean it may be cold and windy (Yes, even in a heatwave).
I’d suggest:
- Cycling helmet
- Lightweight waterproof layers
- Sensible shoes or trainers
- Hi-Vis jackets
- Gloves
- Tight fitting leggings or trousers – long-flowing skirts easily get caught in your pedals.
Is the Blackpool Promenade really closed to traffic?
Yes, it is closed to cars/vans but trams will still be running so you need to be aware of them.
Emergency vehicles will also be allowed access if needed.
Where to park in Blackpool?
Affiliate note: Some of the parking links below are affiliate links. If you book through them, NWFA may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I used to work in Blackpool (that’s definitely a story for another day!) and parking was always a pain.
I always found driving round looking for on street parking was worth it – You never know when you can drop on lucky.
Nowadays, I’m more inclined to use a parking service like Your Parking Space, which is quite frankly a marvellous invention.
Check parking near Ride the Lights with YourParkingSpace
There are several public car parks but you can easily find yourself walking 45 minutes to your destination.
South Shore Car Parks
If you want to start near Starr Gate and ride north, South Shore is probably the most obvious area to park.
- South Beach Car Park, South Promenade, Blackpool FY4 1BB
- Watson Road Arena Car Park, 4 Watson Rd, Blackpool FY4 1EH
- South Car Park, Yeadon Way, Blackpool FY1 6BF
Red Bank Road, Bispham
If you’d rather start at the quieter northern end and cycle south, look around Bispham/Red Bank Road. Parking is more limited here, so I’d definitely sort this sooner rather than later.
Can you walk Ride the Lights?
Yes, many people do!
Do I have to cycle the whole route?
No. You can join Ride the Lights anywhere along the route and cycle as much or as little as you fancy.
If you’re going with young children, I’d be tempted to choose a shorter stretch rather than committing to the whole six miles – especially as you need to think about how everyone is getting back afterwards!
Are there any toilets along the Ride the Lights route?
Unfortunately, many Council toilet facilities do close at 8pm so please try to go before the cycle starts. Many pubs and restaurants along the route will allow people to use their facilities – Some do expect you to buy a drink or snack though in exchange.
- At the start – Starr Gate toilets, FY4 1SY, Open 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- North Pier – Solaris, FY4 1RW (Changing Places Accessible Toilet Facilities). Open 8am to 8pm. (About 2 mins cycle from the start).
- Flagstaff Gardens FY4 1BA. Open 8am to 8pm. (About 8 mins cycle from the start).
- Gynn Square, FY1 2LB. Open 8am to 8pm – although some listings do say these are open 24 hours. (About 20 mins cycle from the start).
- Bispham Tram, FY2 9HW. Open 8am to 8pm. (About 25 mins cycle from the start).
Tips for getting the most out of Ride the Lights
- Arrive early – the area will be very busy from 7pm.
- Take snacks and drinks – Shops along the route will be very busy! Use a rucksack/backpack.
- Don’t be overly ambitious- plan how far you will cycle … and remember you have to do the return journey too!
- Take photos before it goes dark.
- Don’t forget your bike lock, in case you stop along the way.
- Chat to people – its a great way to meet fellow cyclists and have fun!
If you’re planning to go this year, I’d love to know how you get on – especially how far you manage to cycle! I also want to hear about your decorated bikes!
