On Tuesday evening 28th August 2012. a special 'Ride the Lights' event was held in association with Blackpool Tourist Board and Sky Rides. The whole of the sea front road is closed to all traffic except cycles from 7:00pm until 10:00pm giving cyclists a sneak preview of the illuminations prior to the official turn on the following weekend.
The ride has become an annual event, with riders of all ages, many in fancy dress or on decorated bikes. This year the Granada TV report the following day estimated that over 12000 cyclists had taken part. By John Ramsden.
