Mobile Witches Ride Marks 10th Year With Route Change, Bikes-Only Rule to Benefit Delta Dogs

MOBILE, Ala. — Hundreds of costumed bicyclists in pointed black hats were expected to roll through downtown Mobile on Sunday evening, Oct. 25, for the 10th annual Mobile Witches Ride, a Halloween-season tradition that raises money for Delta Dogs, a nonprofit that provides free veterinary care to pets of Mobile residents in need.

Ahead of the ride, organizers issued a set of reminders for riders and spectators, including a route change caused by construction on St. Louis Street, rules on what kinds of bikes were allowed and details on where to watch and celebrate afterward.

A decade of witches on wheels

This year marked the event’s 10th anniversary. Witches rides have become popular in cities across the country in recent years, with riders dressing as witches and wizards, decorating their bikes and pedaling together in a slow, festive group ride. In Mobile, the event has grown into one of downtown’s signature fall gatherings and a reliable fundraiser for animal welfare.

Route changed for St. Louis Street construction

Because of construction on St. Louis Street, organizers adjusted the route this year. Under the change, the ride continued along St. Anthony Street to Lawrence Street, turned right onto St. Michael Street and then connected with Washington Avenue.

The full ride covered about three miles, a distance meant to be manageable for casual riders in costume, many of them riding at a leisurely pace with music and decorations.

Start time, registration and cost

The ride started and finished at The Blind Mule, 57 N. Claiborne St., in downtown Mobile.

• Registration and check-in: 3:30 p.m.
• Departure: 5 p.m., with riders lining up before the start
• Day-of registration: $35, with cash, Venmo and PayPal accepted

Bicycles only — no golf carts

Organizers stressed that the Witches Ride is strictly a bicycle ride. Motorized vehicles and golf carts were prohibited, and organizers said the Mobile Police Department would enforce that rule.

Electric bicycles and pedal-assist bikes were allowed, as long as riders kept pace with the group. Keeping a group ride together at one speed helps reduce the risk of collisions and makes it easier for police and volunteers to manage traffic around the riders.

Adults only, with accommodations available

Participants had to be at least 18 years old to ride. Organizers said they could make accommodations for people with mobility challenges who contacted them directly ahead of time.

Free for spectators and families

While riders had to register, watching was free, and families were encouraged to line the route to see the costumes. Braided River Brewing Co., at 420 St. Louis St., hosted a watch party beginning at 3 p.m.

After the ride, participants and spectators were invited to the Black Hat Block Party back at The Blind Mule, with food, music and drinks.

Organizers also offered one very practical piece of advice: secure your costume hat before the ride starts. A tall witch’s hat and a moving bicycle are not always a good mix, especially on a breezy fall evening.

Who benefits: Delta Dogs

All proceeds from the ride go to Delta Dogs, a Mobile nonprofit that provides free veterinary care and spay and neuter services for pets belonging to residents who cannot afford them.

According to organizers, Delta Dogs focuses on helping people experiencing financial hardship, including:

• Seniors
• Veterans
• People with disabilities
• Families in crisis

Access to affordable veterinary care is a growing concern in many communities. Routine vaccines, spay and neuter surgery and treatment for injuries or illness can be costly, and for families on fixed or limited incomes, those costs can force hard choices. Spay and neuter programs also help reduce the number of unwanted litters, which can ease pressure on local animal shelters.

Part of a busy Halloween season

The Mobile event is one of several witches rides planned across the region this fall. Foley held its own witches ride on Oct. 24, and Fairhope’s ride is scheduled for Oct. 29 to benefit the Baldwin Humane Society. Each event raises money for a different local cause, and together they have become a fun way for communities to mix Halloween spirit with charitable giving.

Safety tips for group costume rides

For anyone planning to take part in a costume ride this season, these general safety practices can help:

• Make sure capes, skirts and long costume pieces cannot catch in the chain, spokes or wheels.
• Add lights and reflective material, since rides often run into dusk.
• Wear a helmet, even if it means adjusting how a hat is worn.
• Check tire pressure and brakes before the ride.
• Ride predictably, keep a safe distance from others and follow directions from volunteers and police.

At a glance

• Event: 10th annual Mobile Witches Ride
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
• Start and finish: The Blind Mule, 57 N. Claiborne St.
• Distance: About three miles
• Route change: St. Anthony Street to Lawrence Street, right on St. Michael Street, then to Washington Avenue, because of St. Louis Street construction
• Rules: Bicycles only; e-bikes and pedal-assist allowed if riders keep pace; no golf carts or motorized vehicles; riders 18 and older
• Watch party: Braided River Brewing Co., 420 St. Louis St., from 3 p.m.
• After-party: Black Hat Block Party at The Blind Mule
• Beneficiary: Delta Dogs

People who want to support Delta Dogs outside the ride can contact the nonprofit directly to learn about donations and volunteer opportunities.