Category Archives: bicycles

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Cyclists ticketed in French Quarter.

Puzzling the way that our NOPD is attacking lawlessness in the French Quarter. Crime is widespread by local accounts, and yet the main issue has become the ticketing of two-wheeled, human-powered indicators of a healthy city. No doubt we need education about what constitutes lawful cycling, but starting with tickets as the first line of communication seems unduly prescriptive.

That the diversity of use in the French Quarter is the reason for its vibrancy is the belief of this blog; therefore, we hope for some sanity to return to the 8th District by getting itself almost entirely on 2 wheels, talking and patrolling before ticketing anyone and maybe focusing more on activities that actually beget criminal behavior rather than those that actually may prevent it.
And help to reduce the friction between the wealthy and those who serve their needs.

WWL story

Anarcha story

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Cars Banned? No. Yes. No. Some…

Facebook exchange:
Cars should be banned from the Quarter.
Cyclists in the French Quarter are learning an expensive lesson – break the traffic laws on your bike and get slapped with a hefty ticket.

———–likes this.
———- no they shouldn’t.
———–I agree with —-.
———–yes they should. 😉
———– 2 months ago I got stopped by a cop on a segway for riding through a pedestian mall but he only gave me a warning…
————I told you that all this bike path promotion was going to lead to increased enforcement.
————What bike lanes?
————let me be clear. I like the idea of bikes more than cars. But I also understand that the Quarter is a neighborhood with delivery needs and residents. I’d rather have small buses when possible, which should be added for cross town and uptown/downtown traffic, many of which should stop in or near the Quarter to allow people that are older and disabled who cannot bike.
————bikes will only increase as cars go down. you have to be a pretty confident cyclist as things stand–the ratio of cars/bikes in the city will only change as we get more car-free areas and bike infrastructure.
————i was in Oxford, England, when they banned cars from the city centre. overnight, the streets were full of smiling people, walking. it was amazing. of course there were still buses and working trucks. just no regular traffic to get in the way of the working people. the quarter is now full of frustrated people trying to drive SUVs down streets designed for people and horse carriages, in an endlessly futile search for parking. I’ve had a personal rule never to drive in the quarter for years. let’s shut down the quarter to everyone but residents, service vehicles, and buses. i don’t understand why we haven’t yet.
———– I totally agree.

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Human-powered transportation updates

The French Quarter should lead the way for the entire city in bike safety, bike parking opportunities, pedi-cab activity and official business done on foot or by bike whenever possible. Can I get an amen?

From the French Quarter Business Association newsletter:

Cycling in the French Quarter

FQBA’s board was asked to support a survey studying bicycle usage and parking in the Quarter. All were in favor of supporting the efforts of The Metro Bicycle Coalition (MBC) in doing so. MBC is excited to announce this project aimed to measure the attitudes and beliefs of French Quarter business and property owners regarding bicycle parking in the Quarter.

NOPD Bicycle Unit

We are excited to announce that FQBA members have stepped up and helped the 8th district with their goal of ten (10) bicycles for officers in the French Quarter. We will formally announce the donors at a press event soon. Other districts are still in need of assistance please contact the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation for information on how you can help get NOPD officers on bicycles in your neighborhood.

Licensing Pedi-cabs
From time to time we have revisited the issue of pedi-cabs. The final word on licensing legal pedi-cabs for the City of New Orleans is that the City Council is reviewing the administration’s proposed policies and procedures as to how licenses will be approved. The administration proposed a lottery system, however, the city council’s transportation committee, chaired by District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, supports a merit-based system. The process was discussed at the city council’s transportation committee meeting on March 24th. The Transportation Committee’s changes to the procedures will be available April 1st on the city council’s website at http://www.nolacitycouncil.com. This matter will be discussed at the April 7th city council meeting.

FQBA is in favor of a merit-based system for issuing these pedi-cab permits and has corresponded accordingly with Councilmember Giselson Palmer’s office.

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It’s a Complicated Life

Originally written by Ray Davies of the Kinks, this song is performed by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band featuring Clint Maedgen on vocals. Filmed mid-2005, this music video features Clint Maedgen, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and a guest appearance by the New Orleans Bingo! Show.