Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the City of New Orleans are urging residents to review transportation rules ahead of the launch of the Moving New Orleans Bikes initiative.

“We are all traffic,” Cantrell said. “Safety on every level is a top priority for my administration.” The mayor went on to say that the City will be pushing hard to enforce traffic rules for bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike.

Moving New Orleans Bikes is an effort to rapidly plan and create a city-wide bike network. Residents are encouraged to participate in the planning efforts; there will be a series of open-house meetings across the city:

• April 8 – KIPP BTW, 2514 Third St
• April 10 – Stuart Hall Cafeteria, 2032 S. Carrolton Ave
• April 11 – KIPP Renaissance School, 3820 St Claude Ave
• April 15 – Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Dr
• April 16 – AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, 3155 Gentilly Blvd
• April 17 – Martin Luther King Library, 1611 Caffin Ave
• April 18 – East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd

Traffic Guidelines

For Motorists

• Pass safely. When passing a bicyclist, use care and provide at least three (3) feet. (R.S. 32:76.1)
• Be respectful. Don’t harass bicyclists by yelling or honking. (R.S. 32:201)
• Keep bike lanes clear. Motorists have their own lanes. Entering a bike lane is only permissible when:
  • Preparing to turn at an intersection
  • Entering or leaving a roadway to a private roadway or alley
  • Entering or leaving a street parking space
  • If you need to enter a bike lane, yield to cyclists (R.S. 32:203)
• Be aware. Check for approaching bicyclists before opening your car door. (R.S. 32.283)
• Share the lanes. Expect to see bicyclists in vehicular lanes.

Motorists are also reminded that the New Orleans Municipal Code prohibits cyclists 15 years and older from riding on the sidewalks.

For Bicyclists

Bicycles on the roadway are held to the same requirements as motor vehicles. (R.S. 32:194)

• Follow the rules of the road. Bicyclists must obey traffic signals. (R.S. 32:123)
• Ride in the direction of traffic. Ride as near right as practicable (or safe). (R.S. 32:197)
• Respect vehicle and pedestrian right-of-way. For example, when exiting from a driveway or alley, bicyclists should yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. (R.S. 32:124)
• Use the “Copenhagen” left or “box” turn. At large intersections, instead of merging across traffic to make a left turn, ride through the intersection on the right, stop and turn your bike, and proceed with caution obeying traffic lights.
• Protect your head. Helmets are required for people under the age of 12, and a smart idea for everyone else. (R.S. 32:199)
• Be bright! Bicyclists must use bike lights and reflectors at night — white for the front, red for the back. (R.S. 329.1)
• Be predictable. Use hand signals when you are turning and stopping. (R.S. 32:106)
• Signal a stop. Extend your left arm down.
• Signal a left turn. Extend your left arm straight out.
• Signal a right turn. Extend your right arm straight out.
• Pick your route. By planning ahead you can make your ride safer and smoother.
• Use the bus to extend your route. There is no additional cost or pass needed to use bicycle racks on buses.
• Ride on the road. Unless you are under the age of 15, let pedestrians rule the sidewalks (Sec 154-1416)
• Be aware of blind spots. Stay far enough ahead or far enough back from motorists to be visible, especially at intersections where they could turn right across your path.
• Use caution when crossing tracks. When riding over rails, ride at a 90-degree angle.
• Travel in a straight line. Travel in a straight line and take the lane if need be. Be visible on the road, and do not weave in in and out of parked cars or ride between lanes of moving traffic.
• Emergency information
  • In case you crash, call 911.
  • If your bicycle is stolen, call NOPD at 504-821-2222.
  • Report your incident to Bike Easy:   www.bikeeasy.org/map