Bike NOLA: Best Routes and Rental Options for Tourists

New Orleans, affectionately known as the Big Easy, is a city that embraces the laid-back lifestyle, making it an ideal destination for exploring on two wheels. With its flat terrain, picturesque neighborhoods, and abundance of bike lanes, New Orleans has become a haven for cyclists of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a curious tourist, selecting the right bike route is crucial to fully immerse yourself in the city’s lively culture and storied history.

TL;DR

• New Orleans offers over 100 miles of dedicated bike lanes and trails, making it a bike-friendly city.
• Choosing the appropriate bike route allows you to explore diverse neighborhoods and attractions, enhancing your tourist experience.
• Top bike rental options include Blue Bikes (the city’s bike-share program), The American Bicycle Rental Company, and Buzz Nola.

Understanding New Orleans’ Bike Landscape

Biking has been ingrained in New Orleans’ transportation culture since the late 19th century, when the city’s flat topography and mild climate made it an appealing option for commuters and leisure riders alike. Today, the city boasts an extensive network of bike lanes, shared paths, and off-road trails, making it easier than ever to explore New Orleans on two wheels.

The city’s geography plays a significant role in its bikeability, with the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain providing scenic routes for riders of all skill levels. The Lafitte Greenway, a 2.6-mile linear park and trail, connects neighborhoods from the French Quarter to City Park, while the Mississippi River Trail offers stunning views of the river and the city’s iconic levees.

Planning Your Bike Route in New Orleans

When planning your bike route in New Orleans, consider factors such as scenery, difficulty, and points of interest. Some of the most popular bike routes in the city include:

The Lafitte Greenway

This 2.6-mile trail connects the French Quarter to City Park, passing through the historic neighborhoods of Tremé and Mid-City. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop and explore, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Mississippi River Trail (Levee Bike Path)

This paved path runs along the top of the Mississippi River levee, offering stunning views of the river and the city skyline. The trail extends for over 60 miles, but you can easily tackle shorter sections, such as the stretch between Audubon Park and the Bywater neighborhood.

Audubon Park and Zoo Loop

This 1.8-mile loop takes you through the lush grounds of Audubon Park, home to the Audubon Zoo, a golf course, and plenty of picnic spots. The route is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it a great option for families and casual riders.

When biking in New Orleans, always wear a helmet, follow traffic laws, and use hand signals when turning or stopping. Be mindful of streetcar tracks, potholes, and uneven pavement, and avoid riding on sidewalks in busy areas.

Bike Rentals in New Orleans: What You Need to Know

New Orleans offers a variety of bike rental options, from traditional road bikes and cruisers to electric bikes. Some of the top bike rental companies in the city include:

Blue Bikes

The city’s official bike-share program, Blue Bikes offers over 700 bikes at 70+ stations throughout New Orleans. Rentals start at $0.15 per minute, with daily and monthly passes available. To rent a Blue Bike, simply download the app, create an account, and unlock a bike at any station.

The American Bicycle Rental Company

Situated in the French Quarter, this locally-owned shop offers a fleet of custom-made cruiser bikes, perfect for exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods. Rentals start at $20 for 4 hours and include a lock, helmet, and handlebar bag.

Address: 317 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Phone: (504) 522-4368

Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM

Buzz Nola

Located in the Central Business District, Buzz Nola offers single-speed cruisers and city e-bikes for hourly and daily rentals. Prices start at $12 per hour, with discounts available for longer rentals. All bikes come with a basket, heavy-duty lock, and optional helmet.

Address: 214 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone: (504) 533-9688

Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 6 PM

To reserve a bike, simply visit the rental company’s website or give them a call. Most shops require a credit card and a valid ID for rental, and some may ask for a security deposit. Be sure to inspect your bike before setting off, and familiarize yourself with the shop’s rental policies and return procedures.

Navigating New Orleans by Bike

When biking in New Orleans, it’s essential to follow local biking laws and etiquette. Always ride in the same direction as traffic, use bike lanes when available, and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. When passing other cyclists or pedestrians, be sure to give an audible warning, such as ringing your bell or calling out “on your left.”

New Orleans’ bike lanes are typically marked with green paint and bike symbols, making them easy to spot. On shared paths, such as the Lafitte Greenway, be mindful of pedestrians and slower riders, and always pass on the left when it’s safe to do so.

If you’re new to urban biking, consider starting with a guided bike tour or joining a local biking group to get a feel for the city’s roads and traffic patterns. The New Orleans Bicycle Club offers regular group rides for riders of all skill levels, as well as resources for bike safety and maintenance.

Enhancing Your Biking Experience in New Orleans

To make the most of your biking experience in New Orleans, consider incorporating some of the city’s famous culture and cuisine into your ride. Along popular bike routes, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop and sample local specialties, such as beignets at Café du Monde in the French Quarter or po’ boys at Parkway Bakery & Tavern in Mid-City.

For a taste of New Orleans’ vibrant music scene, plan your ride around one of the city’s many outdoor concerts or festivals. The French Quarter Festival, held each April, features over 20 stages of live music throughout the historic neighborhood, while the Satchmo SummerFest in August celebrates the life and legacy of Louis Armstrong with live jazz performances and food vendors.

When biking in New Orleans, be sure to dress for the weather and bring plenty of water, especially during the hot and humid summer months. In the event of rain or thunderstorms, consider postponing your ride or seeking shelter in one of the city’s many museums or indoor attractions.

Supporting Your Bike Tour: Resources and Emergency Information

In case of a flat tire or mechanical issue, New Orleans has several bike repair shops and services available. Some top options include:

Dashing Bicycles

Located in the Marigny neighborhood, Dashing Bicycles offers full-service repairs and maintenance for all types of bikes. They also sell new and used bikes, as well as accessories and apparel.

Address: 2327 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

Phone: (504) 605-4040

Hours: Mon-Fri 10 AM – 6 PM, Sat 10 AM – 5 PM, Sun 12 PM – 5 PM

Bayou Bicycles

Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, Bayou Bicycles offers rentals, sales, and repairs for a wide range of bikes. Their experienced mechanics can handle everything from basic tune-ups to complex repairs.

Address: 631 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

Phone: (504) 309-8594

Hours: Mon-Sat 10 AM – 6 PM, Sun 11 AM – 5 PM

In case of an emergency or theft, contact the New Orleans Police Department at 911 or the non-emergency line at (504) 821-2222. Be sure to keep a record of your bike’s serial number and any distinguishing features, as this can help police identify and recover your bike if it’s stolen.

For weather updates and route closures, check the City of New Orleans’ official website or follow the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness on Twitter (@nolaready). In the event of severe weather or flooding, avoid biking through standing water or downed power lines, and seek shelter in a safe, indoor location.

Engaging with the Local Biking Community

New Orleans has a thriving biking community, with numerous events and groups for riders of all skill levels. Some top options include:

NOLA Social Ride

This weekly group ride takes place every Thursday evening, starting at the Lafitte Greenway and winding through different neighborhoods each week. The ride is free and open to all, with a focus on community building and exploring the city’s diverse culture.

Crescent City Cyclists

This recreational cycling club organizes regular group rides, social events, and advocacy efforts to promote biking in New Orleans. Membership is open to all, with annual dues starting at $25.

Get Up N Ride NOLA

This community bike shop and advocacy group offers free bike repairs, safety classes, and group rides for riders of all ages and skill levels. They also work to promote bike infrastructure and accessibility throughout the city.

Joining a guided bike tour can be a great way to learn more about New Orleans’ history and culture while getting some exercise and fresh air. Some top tour companies include:

Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours

Offering daily tours of the French Quarter, Marigny, and Bywater neighborhoods, Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours provides a unique perspective on the city’s architecture, music, and food scene. Tours start at $49 per person and include a bike rental, helmet, and expert guide.

Address: 325 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Phone: (504) 522-4368

Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM

Confederacy of Cruisers

This boutique tour company offers a range of themed bike tours, from culinary adventures to haunted history rides. Tours start at $59 per person and include a bike rental, helmet, and knowledgeable guide.

Address: 634 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

Phone: (504) 400-5468

Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a curious tourist, biking in New Orleans is a unique and memorable way to experience the city’s lively culture, storied history, and stunning scenery. With a little planning and preparation, you can create your own personalized bike tour of the Big Easy, complete with delicious food, live music, and plenty of Southern charm.