What to Know About the New Bike Share Program in New Orleans

Bike share programs have been popping up in cities all over the United States. Basically, these programs allow you to pay a fee (one-time or membership) and use a rented bike to get around. You can pick up bikes at any of the bike stations and return to any station.

For those not wanting to own a bike, this is a great way to get around the city and offers a more environmentally-friendly way to travel. In addition, the bike share program offers an easy way to get exercise while going to work, shopping, going out on the town or just enjoying a ride.

The New Orleans Bike Share Program

In New Orleans, the bike share program is a combination effort from the city and Social Bicycles. It was launched this fall with 70 stations and 700 total bikes. Social Bicycles is responsible for funding and maintaining the program.

The program was launched after a demo was done early last year. For two weeks, the bike share program was demoed and saw 128 riders take 235 total trips throughout the city. Over 500 miles were covered throughout the demo with the average trip around two miles.

The demo only had nine stations and 35 total bikes for public use. It was mainly found in the French Quarter neighborhood. The success of this demo led to the launching of 70 total stations and 700 total bikes this fall. Plans to expand the program to a total of 900 bikes and 90 stations are also in the works.

Name, Phases & Roll Out

The New Orleans Bike Share Program will be called Blue Bikes. This was announced as the official name in November and it will be rolled out in phases.

The phases began in October 2017 and the Mayor’s office expects the program to become operational in select neighborhoods by the end of the year. It will continue to roll out in phases with all 70 stations and 700 bikes becoming available by spring of 2018. There isn’t a specific date for Blue Bikes to expand to 90 locations and 900 bikes yet.

Locations for Blue Bikes will be found throughout many popular neighborhoods including:

•          Lower Garden District
•          Central Business District
•          Algiers Point
•          Bywater
•          City Park
•          Marginy
•          Treme
•          Bayou St. John
•          And More!

While the actual cost isn’t available on the Social Bicycles website currently, the cost for one hour during the demo was $8. In addition, the demo includes a monthly pass for $15 giving users one hour free per day with a prorated amount at the $8 per hour rate after that free hour. Another membership option at $20 per year is available giving riders a free hour per day.

The bike share program brings another great feature to the city of New Orleans. With some of the most popular neighborhoods not providing the best parking situation, it might be time to ditch the car and start getting around on a bike.

Image Source: Blue Bike Facebook Page