NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 1, 2024) - Carnival time is here, and with Blue Bikes, you’re ready to roll. Pedaling to work, family gatherings and parades has never been easier with Blue Bikes.
“With Blue Bikes riders taking over 600,000 trips since the program relaunched in 2021 and locals taking over 70% of all trips in 2023, Blue Bikes is the go-to way for locals and visitors 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 stations are located and the system map so you can plan to end your trip within the Blue Bikes service area.”
As you have fun this carnival season, Blue Bikes encourages everyone to keep safety in mind. Riders can consider using The Purple, a suggested way for folks to safely and conveniently walk, bike & roll to and from Uptown parades and the French Quarter this Carnival Season.
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.
Remember that with the Searching for Baby Blue social media contest taking place through Mardi Gras Day (Feb. 13), 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 (6:14).
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 the 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.
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