NolaCycle is a project aimed to create a high quality cycling map of New Orleans. Cycling maps include information beyond just streets and their names that benefits cyclists. In our map, we highlight the pavement quality, car travel speed, lane width, and special caution areas (busy intersections, man-eating potholes, or high accident areas). Volunteers help to collect this data by attending mapping events.
The information is then digitized to make a map of the data we collected to help cyclists - young, old, local, and tourist alike - navigate New Orleans.

Check out the blog for updates on the project, ways to get involved, and volunteer mapping events!

If you have questions, feel free to make a public comment on the blog entry or e-mail us directly at info@nolacycle.com.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Promote safe biking, walking

Check out today's Metro section of the Times Pic, for a letter to the editor from John Renne, President of the Metro Bicycle Coalition, regarding there recent passage of the Colin Goodier Bicycle Protection Act. This is in response to Monday's Times Pic story about the governor signing the bill into law.

Re: "Jindal signs bills for expanded seat belt use, bicycle safety," Page A2, June 29.

Our legislators and governor should be commended for supporting safety on our streets. The recent passage of the Colin Goodier Protection Act, which will require motorists to maintain a safe distance of at least 3 feet from bicyclists while passing, is sure to reduce crashes and save lives. The measure also protects bicycles from harassment by motorists and acknowledges our right to share the road.

While it is great to see our politicians supporting bicycling this year in the Legislature, we still have a long way to go toward making it safer on the streets of New Orleans. The Metro Bicycle Coalition has been working for safer streets, including more bike lanes, bike parking and overall awareness.


We envision a European-like city that will continue to attract families and young professionals. The next mayor should take cues from Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York to make walking and biking a centerpiece of their strategy to revitalize this great city.

John Renne
President
Metro Bicycle Coalition
New Orleans