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.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Current status of mapped areas

NolaCycle has mapped a lot of New Orleans since we started in July 2008. Here's the newest image showing the areas we've collected data for. The section and labels relate to the dimensions and file name of the each map section volunteers have filled out. New Orleans south of I-610 and Florida Avenue, has been mapped with the exception of a few areas that were not completed due to rain or bike trouble (it's hard to map with a flat tire).

More events will be taking place in 2010 to map the rest of the 9th Ward, Lakeview, the greater Gentilly area, Algiers, and parts of Jefferson Parish and New Orleans East. As always, the more volunteers interested in mapping, organizing, and promoting, the more we can do.


As you can see when you look at our Bike Map website, not every map section has been added to the online map. We still need help from volunteers to get the data from the paper sheets (or the online scans) onto the website. This is really easy to do, and anyone with a computer and internet access can help. NolaCycle will be holding a couple "working session" where we gather together to enter data in January. If you'd like to help, keep an eye posted for events or e-mail us so we can explain the process and get you a login to enter data.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

NolaCycle Events for this Thursday and Sunday

NolaCycle has two upcoming events where volunteers can get involved with creating the bicycle map of New Orleans.

Digital Map Working Session: Introducing the New Bike Map Website
This Thursday, 6-9pm, Loyola University's Monroe Library Multimedia Room 2
NolaCycle will be formally introducing the new data entry and bike map website to our volunteers. Everyone interested in helping with the data entry process is encourage to attend. NolaCycle will explain how to use the website, create data entry accounts for volunteers, and gather feedback on how to improve the site. Bring a laptop if you have one, or contact us to reserve a lender laptop. Free pizza (meat, vegetarian, and vegan options will be available) and soda will be provided.


View Larger Map

NolaCycle Bike Mapping Ride with HandsOn New Orleans
This Sunday, 10am-12:30pm, Parking lot of Bayou Oaks in City Park (1040 Filmore Ave)
With help from HandsOn New Orleans, NolaCycle will be mapping more of the city north of I-610. Everyone is welcome to come, and the more help the better. Volunteers need only to bring a bicycling and something to carry a clipboard in (like a bike basket or shoulder bag). We will be meeting in the parking lot of Bayou Oaks at 10am. Volunteers will work in pairs to map sections of the neighborhoods for suitability for cycling. We will be meet back at Bayou Oaks at between noon and 12:30 to return maps and materials. Volunteers are welcome to join organizers on a ride to the 9th Ward to catch up with the Super 9 Social Aid and Pleasure Club second line parade.


View NolaCycle Bike Mapping Ride - Sunday Dec. 20 in a larger map

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Two Upcoming NolaCycle Events - December 17th and 20th

Mark your calendars - NolaCycle has two events in the next couple weeks. More details will be posted soon.

Mapping Meet-ups:
Sunday Dec. 20 -
Fillmore, Milneburg, and Lakefront neighborhoods mapping ride with HandsOn New Orleans. 10am-12:30pm, meeting at the Bayou Oaks parking lot in City Park, 1040 Filmore Ave.

Planning & Design Meetings:
Thursday Dec. 17 - Digital working session to introduce the new data entry and bike map website! Please bring a laptop or let us know you need to borrow one. 6-9pm, Loyola University Monroe Library, multimedia room 2. Pizza and soda will be provided to volunteers!