Halloween is always a BIG DEAL at OCB. Many of our customers, friends and supporters are regulars at our annual Halloween celebrations, which bring together the community to meet new folks, and reconnect with old faces… and of course pull out the costume creativity!
But as spooky season approaches, it is not just you who could dress up, it’s time to get your trusty bike involved too. We put together some ideas for costumes which will suit all ages, whether you are looking for a hassle free outfit for your child to wear trick or treating, for a house party, or indeed for the OCB Halloween Party, Creepy Crawly 2025, October 31, 8pm to late.
Ideas for spooky bike costumes
Ghost riders
For those short on time, this is perhaps the easiest option for a quick and easy bike-themed costume. Simply grab an old white bedsheet, cut out some eye (and if necessary mouth) holes and throw it on. Jump on your bike, and there you have it… a ghost rider! For added effect, you could also decorate your bicycle with a few faux cobwebs. However, be cautious with the length of the sheet to avoid it catching in your bike spokes, and ensure the eye holes are cut large enough to allow adequate vision of the road while riding.
Flying witches and warlock
Not all witches travel by broom… some ride bikes! To turn your bicycle into a broomstick, simply fasten a broom to the frame using rope or strong wire, with the brush at the back. We have also seen folks decorate their panniers to look like cauldrons! Don a hat and a cape, and there you have it!
E.T.
Another simple costume idea which requires little more than printing an image of ET and sticking it into a doll or stuffed toy animal, wrapping it in a sheet and placing it in a basket or crate attached to the front of your bike. Make sure you wear a red hoodie to resemble Elliot! We have seen an incredible twist on this, with a young child dressed as ET, seated on a handlebar bike seat- fun for the entire family!
Mario and friends
This one is great for getting your whole crew involved. Each person can dress as a Mario Kart character, swapping the infamous “kart” for a bicycle to pedal around the neighbourhood (or to the OCB Halloween Party). Attaching different colour balloons to the back of each bicycle is a playful addition, and you certainly won’t lose your friends in the traffic!
Be safe, be seen… be spooky!
Being seen by motorised traffic while biking in costume is essential. With Fall now set it, sunset is before 6pm and wearing costumes and adding decorations on your bike can make for wobbly riding! Luckily, there are some incredible innovative ways to spice up your bicycle lights for halloween, which may also prove useful across the entire winter season.
Glow-in-the-Dark Spoke Reflectors: These attach to your spokes and will reflect light. You can find halloween themed covers such as pumpkins online and around Vancouver.
Glowing In The Dark Chain: Try using glow-in-the-dark chain oil, or you could test out covering your chain with glow-in-the-dark paint (check that it’s bike-safe).
Red Taillights: Red lights on the back of your bike will keep you visible, while also adding to the spooky vibe. Blinking lights add a dramatic effect and help grab the attention of drivers or other cyclists. Pop by the shop if you want to pick some up!
Spoke LED Lights: Attach small LED lights to your spokes to create moving circles of light as you pedal. These can be purchased from many bike stores across the city and online.