New Orleans is becoming increasingly bike-friendly with bike lanes and paths. Despite this progress, the New Orleans Police Department has recently been issuing bike traffic tickets to those who violate traffic laws on their bikes, and bike safety continues to be a hot topic.
In this blog, our team at Crescent City Law shares essential information on Louisiana bicycle laws and tips for biking safely in New Orleans. With a deep commitment to personalized and compassionate service, John Radziewicz offers trusted guidance and support to all his clients.
5 Tips for Drivers: Understanding New Orleans Bicycle Laws
Louisiana has specific laws regarding bicycles and cars on the road together. If you’re driving in New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana, it’s important to be mindful of these laws in order to keep everyone safe.
Tip #1: Pass Safely
If you’re going to pass a cyclist, do so safely. Leave plenty of room and be aware of your surroundings.
The Colin Goodier Protection Act (La. R.S. 32:76.1) provides significant protection, such that, drivers must “exercise due care when passing” and leave at least three feet of space, maintaining that distance until safely past the bicycle.
Tip #2: Show Respect
Following La. R.S. 32:201(A), it is illegal to harass, taunt, or throw objects at bike riders.
Be respectful. There’s no reason to harass cyclists; they just want to get where they are going. Remember, New Orleans is a tourist city, and visitors may not be familiar with our roads. Have patience.
Tip #3: Keep Bike Lanes Clear
You can get a traffic ticket for blocking or driving in a bike lane. Do not do it! At turns, you will notice a dotted line indicating where you are allowed to cross over to make your turn. Based on La. R.S. 32:203, drivers are prohibited from operating in bike lanes except when preparing for a turn, parking, or emergencies.
Tip #4: Be Aware When Parking
When parking on the street, always look behind you before opening your door into the street. Besides cars, you may not see a cyclist coming along.
Tip #5: Share the Road
Be knowledgeable. New Orleans has many cyclists; not every street has a designated bike lane.
According to La. R.S. 32:194, bicycle riders generally have the same rights as vehicle drivers, which means bike riders must also follow the same traffic laws as vehicle drivers. So share the road and follow traffic laws to ensure everyone’s safety.
Popular Bike Routes in New Orleans
Recognizing the importance of bike lane safety for residents, the city continues to install designated bike lanes, allowing tourists to see different parts of the city without driving or worrying about traffic tickets.
Some of the more popular routes in New Orleans include:
- Esplanade Avenue runs on both sides of the road from the Mississippi River to City Park and is popular with tourists and residents.
- Orleans Avenue allows you to ride from City Park Avenue on the Jefferson Parish line, then head to the French Quarter after turning right onto Orleans Avenue.
- St. Charles Avenue lacks a designated bike lane for most of its length, but from Nashville Avenue to South Carrollton, designated bike lanes make commuting easy for Tulane and Loyola students.
- Marconi Boulevard offers a direct route to the lake from Mid-City, along the edge of City Park, allowing you to enjoy City Park paths.
- Wisner Boulevard provides a scenic bike path starting at the edge of City Park near the 610 overpass, allowing you to ride along the bayou towards the lake or turn onto Robert E. Lee Boulevard.
- Robert E. Lee Boulevard is a wide road that makes riding in the Lakeview/Gentilly area around UNO safer.
- Elysian Fields Avenue can be accessed from the Wisner Boulevard bike path by taking Fillmore Avenue, allowing you to ride safely in both directions. However, be cautious near Gentilly Boulevard, where bike paths end and traffic increases.
- Camp Street in uptown lacks bike access due to narrow, two-way streets, but from the Lower Garden District to downtown, there is now a designated bike lane all the way to Canal Street.
- Loyola Avenue offers a wide, open road with designated bike lanes downtown.
- Algiers Point Levee features a paved and widened path from the Jefferson Parish line past the military access, with pending plans to extend the paving to the Chalmette Ferry.
- The Lafitte Greenway has recently opened and offers a lit, paved bike lane from the French Quarter to Bayou St. John.
How to Bike Safely in New Orleans
In addition to following the bike laws in Orleans Parish, here are some general safety tips to help prevent accidents on the road for both locals and tourists, and bikers and pedestrians.
- Ride on the right side of the road, not on the sidewalk. Unless you are under 15 years of age, sidewalks are for pedestrians, not cyclists.
- To make a left-hand turn at intersections, ride along the right, cross the street, then make your left turn when it is safe to cross.
- Cyclists should yield to pedestrians and vehicles when approaching oncoming traffic.
- Ride in the direction of traffic. This is not only the law but also crucial for your safety, as drivers do not expect to see bikers coming from the wrong direction.
- Use bike lights and reflectors if riding in the dark is possible. Wearing white reflectors/lights in the front and red in the back is recommended for maximum visibility.
- Wearing helmets is required for children 12 and under but is also recommended and smart for everyone.
- Use hand signals to alert other drivers of your intentions when turning or stopping.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Sometimes, you can be in a car’s blind spot, and the driver may not see you. Be cautious, especially when cars are turning, as they may inadvertently cut you off.
What to Do In Case of Bike Wrecks and Car Accidents
Being involved in a bike wreck or car accident can be a traumatic experience. Knowing the appropriate steps to take to ensure your safety and protect your rights is crucial.
Here’s what you need to do if you find yourself in such a situation:
What to Do If You’re a Biker Hit by a Car
- Call 911 immediately for medical help, especially if you are injured, and to report the accident.
- If safe, collect evidence like photos of the scene, your bike, the car, and injuries.
- Get contact information from the driver and witnesses.
- Consider calling an experienced personal injury lawyer, as the accident may have been due to the driver’s negligence. They can give legal advice and help you get the compensation you deserve.
What to Do If You’re a Biker Involved in an Accident
- Call 911 to report the accident and ensure it’s documented.
- Collect evidence from all parties involved, such as photos and contact details.
- Call a lawyer if you might be at fault for legal advice.
- Hire a criminal defense lawyer if you caused the accident, were charged with DUI, or other factors that could affect your case.
Crescent City Law has worked with numerous clients who have been in bike and automobile wrecks and has experience working through all the moving parts of a personal injury suit, including insurance. You will not pay lawyer fees until we have recovered damages for you.
Call Our Personal Injury Attorney at Crescent City Law Today!
John has become well-known in the legal community of Louisiana for his dedication to clients in protecting their rights and his track record in securing compensation for personal injury cases.
Contact our team today at Crescent City Law at (504) 264-9492 or by email, and we will respond to you and answer your questions as soon as possible. We offer a free initial consultation on nights, weekends, and off-site.
