Lake City Cruisers: Glow-in-the-Dark Bikes Illuminating Lake Charles Night Rides
Lake City Cruisers: Glow-in-the-Dark Bikes Illuminating Lake Charles Night Rides
Biking is surging in popularity as a fun, healthy outdoor activity. Louisiana's intense heat and humidity make daytime rides challenging, so Lake City Cruisers offers an innovative solution: glow-in-the-dark bikes for thrilling nighttime adventures. Local owner Amber LeDay-Hills drew inspiration from a similar operation in Baton Rouge and launched Lake City Cruisers in Lake Charles in July 2020. Customer feedback has been exceptionally positive ever since.
Glow-in-the-dark bike tours depart at 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The scenic route features downtown Lake Charles and a cruise along Bord du Lac Drive by the Lakefront Promenade. Each bike rents for $25, making it perfect for family bonding, group outings with friends, or special occasions.
What Amber loves most about Lake City Cruisers:
"My favorite part of leading the cruises is seeing the excitement and joy on the riders' faces. Many haven't ridden a bike in years, and I witness the phrase 'It's just like riding a bike' come to life right before my eyes!"
Explore the Vibrant Bike Fleet!
Available in glowing blue, green, red, and rainbow hues, the fleet includes 25 single-rider bikes for rentals. They've recently added a double-rider trike for parents with children or young adults with special needs. Volunteer bikes ensure group safety, and expansions are underway for more single-rider bikes and another trike. Note: Single-rider bikes require riders to be 13 years and older.
Biking for Local Causes:
Lake City Cruisers stands out by supporting Southwest Louisiana organizations. A portion of proceeds benefits a selected nonprofit each month, prioritizing overlooked or underfunded groups.
"I contact the organization's leaders, introduce Lake City Cruisers, share our mission, and invite them to provide info for our platform. The following Monday after rides, we donate a portion of weekend sales," Amber explains.
In August, they supported the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southwest Louisiana (NAMI SWLA). September's beneficiary was Families Helping Families of SWLA.
"I'm grateful for the incredible support from SWLA and surrounding communities. This vision is a reality thanks to you," Amber shared.
Amber LeDay-Hills, Owner, Lake City Cruisers
Amber's Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
"Don't wait! The Lake Area needed this experience. When an idea feels destined, the urge to act is irresistible. I couldn't ignore mine—it grew until Lake City Cruisers had to happen."
Private Bookings:
Book private group rides for 20+ guests outside regular hours. Bikes can be delivered to your preferred location. Email lakecitycruisers@gmail.com for details.
Suggest Organizations:
Know a deserving Lake Area nonprofit? Email suggestions to lakecitycruisers@gmail.com.
Discover Black-Owned Businesses:
www.visitlakecharles.org/blackowned
