Local cyclists, families and community groups are being invited to light up Portsmouth this October as Mountbatten Leisure Centre hosts Portsmouth Glow Ride in partnership with Cycling UK.

Taking place on Thursday 22 October 2026, the free community event will bring together riders of all ages for a colourful evening ride celebrating cycling, active travel and community spirit. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes with lights and glowing accessories before setting off on a safe, fully marshalled route, creating a striking after-dark spectacle across the city.

Glow Ride forms part of a wider initiative to raise awareness of the barriers some people face when cycling after dark, particularly women. The event aims to spark conversations around cycling confidence, showcase Portsmouth's network of cycling routes, and highlight the importance of safe, accessible infrastructure to encourage more active travel.

The event has been organised by BH Live's Portsmouth Interaction team, which supports Portsmouth residents living with mental health challenges through physical activity, wellbeing programmes and community engagement opportunities. By bringing people together through a fun and inclusive experience, the team hopes to encourage more residents to discover the benefits of cycling and being active outdoors.

Suitable for families and cyclists of all ages and abilities, the Glow Ride will start at 5:30pm, starting and finishing at Mountbatten Leisure Centre, with participants following an entirely off-road route along public cycle paths, travelling to Lakeside North Harbour before returning via Hilsea Lido.

For those arriving early, Active Travel England will be at Mountbatten Leisure Centre from 4pm, offering free bike security marking and registration. Organisers are aiming to attract 100 riders as part of Portsmouth 100 celebrations and are encouraging people to book early.

Places are free and can be booked online at bhliveactive.org.uk/whats-on/glow-ride-2026-mlc.

Mountbatten Leisure Centre is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live on behalf of Portsmouth City Council.

On behalf of BH Live, Kerry Morgan, Portsmouth Interaction Manager, said;

"At Portsmouth Interaction, we're passionate about helping people improve their wellbeing through physical activity and community connections. Glow Ride brings those elements together in a fun and accessible way, giving people the chance to get active, meet others and experience Portsmouth's cycle network in a supportive environment."

"We're looking forward to seeing riders light up the city and show how cycling can be an enjoyable, inclusive activity for people of all ages and abilities."

Cllr Peter Candlish, Portsmouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Transport said:

“We want to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier and more accessible, giving more people the confidence to choose active travel for everyday journeys.”

"Portsmouth Interaction's Glow Ride is a great opportunity for residents to build their cycling confidence, learn how to stay visible after dark, and explore Portsmouth’s cycling network in a safe and supportive environment."

More information about Mountbatten Leisure Centre can be found online at bhliveactive.org.uk/Mountbatten.

More information about Portsmouth Interaction and BH Live’s health and wellbeing programmes is found online at bhliveactive.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing-activities.