NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 15, 2023) - Carnival time is here, and with Blue Bikes, you’re ready to roll. With the recent addition of 300 new pedal-assist e-bikes to the Blue Bikes fleet, pedaling to work, family gatherings and parades has never been easier.
“Whether you’re here for a good time or a long time, Blue Bikes is the go-to way to get around town this Mardi Gras!” said Patrick Urbine, Community Engagement Manager of Blue Krewe, the local nonprofit that operates and manages Blue Bikes. “We encourage all riders to download the Blue Bikes Nola app onto their phones before heading out so you’re ready to pedal to the parade. The app shows you where Blue Bikes hubs are located and the system map so you can plan to end your trip within our service area.”
As you have fun this carnival season, Blue Bikes encourages everyone to keep safety in mind.
“Wear a secure helmet while riding Blue Bikes to protect against head injuries,” said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana medical director. “As you ride, be mindful of other vehicles and pedestrians sharing the road with you, and follow all traffic laws. If you are wearing masks or costumes that cover your eyes, take those off while you’re riding so you have a clear view.”
Additional safe cycling tips can be found in the 2020 New Orleans Bike Map and Guide to Safe Cycling issued by the City of New Orleans, Bike Easy, the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
For more tips on keeping health and safety in mind during Mardi Gras, check out this video (2:12).
Remember that with the Searching for Baby Blue social media contest taking place through Mardi Gras Day (Feb. 21), riders who find a Blue Bike with a king cake baby can post a picture to their social media accounts, tagging @BlueBikesNOLA, and be entered for a prize drawing. The grand prize is a one-year Blue Bikes membership ($300 value).
To learn more about the contest and how you can participate, check out this video news release from Hometown Productions (4:16).
How to Ride
To ride Blue Bikes, download the Blue Bikes Nola app, which is available in the App Store and Google Play. Riders can choose from different ridership plans and payment options to use Blue Bikes:
● The Pay As You Go option costs 15 cents per minute and includes a $1 unlocking fee. There is no ongoing commitment required for this option. You will be charged only for the time you use (per minute).
● The Monthly Membership option costs $25 and lets you unlock a Blue Bike without a fee any time you ride. Monthly memberships include up to an hour of free ride time per day, which you can use in multiple trips.
● Through the Blue Bikes For All program, New Orleans residents who qualify for Medicaid or Louisiana Purchase (S/NAP) can get a reduced ridership plan of $4 per month.
To learn more about Blue Bikes pricing and rider options, visit BlueBikesNola.com. Follow Blue Bikes on social media @BlueBikesNOLA for ongoing information and to see pictures and updates during Mardi Gras.
About Blue Krewe
Founded in New Orleans in 2020, Blue Krewe is a local, community-based non-profit that manages and operates the Blue Bikes program. Recognizing the importance of Blue Bikes as a healthy, equitable, and environmentally-friendly transportation option, local bikeshare enthusiasts - such former Blue Bikes staff, biking and pedestrian advocates, philanthropists and community healthcare advocates - came together to form Blue Krewe. Here at Blue Krewe, we are committed to our mission to provide the Greater New Orleans region with equitable shared micro-mobility solutions that are rooted in and supportive of our community.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation provided critical start-up funding and fiscal sponsorship for Blue Krewe. Blue Krewe's partners include Bike Easy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans. To donate, volunteer or learn more visit www.BlueKrewe.org.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is committed to our mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. Founded in New Orleans in 1934, we are a tax-paying nonprofit health insurer with offices in every major region to serve our customers. We were recognized for the past four years as an honoree of The Civic 50, named by Points of Light as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. We are a private mutual company, owned by our policyholders, with an independent Louisiana Board of Directors and no shareholders. We invite all Louisianians to visit our website at www.bcbsla.com or talk to us on social media @BCBSLA.
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