A cyclist rides a bike covered in twinkle lights at the Bike the Night event in Vancouver, BC

Photo credit: Simon Yoon, HUBCycling Facebook Page

Grab your helmet and brightest lights: Bike the Night, Vancouver’s largest nighttime bike parade returns on Saturday, September 7th. 5,000 cyclists will bike through Vancouver’s streets decked out in costumes and lights. The 10-kilometre-long route around False Creek will be closed to cars. It’s flat and easy riding, perfect for families and cyclists of all abilities.

The party starts at 6 pm with a pre-ride festival at Sunset Beach. They’ve got music, food trucks, games, giveaways and free bike tune-ups from event-sponsor, MEC. Slower cyclists and families kick off the parade at 7:45 pm and everyone else follows at 8 pm.

Don’t wait to sign up, as they do sell out. Tickets are $20, but there are discounts for students and early birds. Kids under 16 are totally free! Proceeds from the event support HUB Cycling, a charitable non-profit organization that helps remove barriers to cycling in Metro Vancouver. If you’re a HUB member, you also get discounted tickets, plus deals at bike retailers around the city.

Don’t have a bike? No problem! This year Bike the Night registration comes with a free 24 pass to Mobi bike share.

A large group of cyclists wearing colourful lights bikes at the Bike the Night event in Vancouver, BC

Photo credit: BikeHUB.ca

Tips for Bike the Night:

Go Early: Head to the pre-ride festival to meet-up with friends, enjoy the live music or line-up for the bike mechanic tent.

Take Transit or Ride Your Bike to the Event: There’s not much parking near Sunset Beach. The start line is on the False Creek seawall. It’s an easy bike ride from the Yaletown or Science World Skytrain stations.

Bring the Kids: The course is easy and flat, perfect for younger riders. Plus, kids under 16 are free!

Go with a Group: Groups of 9 or more can save 25%. Email events@bikehub.ca for more info.

Light it Up: Don’t just show up with your regular bike lights. Go all out! Grab some glow sticks or wrap a string (or 6) of battery operated twinkle lights around your bike frame. Just be sure to secure them carefully so you don’t get tangled up as you ride.

Dress up: Costumes and other craziness are highly encouraged.

Don’t stress about the distance: If you’re a casual cyclist, 10km might sound like a long way. Don’t worry: The entire ride is flat and designed for all ages and abilities. And if you find you can’t complete the ride, there’s a support vehicle to pick you up.