A Biking Guide to New Orleans Just in Time for Mardi Gras

New Orleans is known for many things. It is the birthplace of jazz, home of Cajun and Creole music and cuisine, purveyor of the oyster po’boy, and host to the most famous Mardi Gras party north of the Panama Canal. This year, Mardi Gras lands on March 4. Recently, the Big Easy has been carving out a reputation as a bike-friendly destination as well. With a downtown area approximating only 35 square miles (91 km2) and nary a hill in sight, New Orleans is an ideal city for a strong bike culture. Because of the hard work of passionate residents and advocacy organizations such as Bike Easy, that possibility is quickly becoming a reality.

Unlike many major North American cities, where traffic congestion and sprawling highways can make cycling feel like an extreme sport, New Orleans’ relatively flat terrain and expanding bike infrastructure make it an accessible and enjoyable option for locals and visitors alike. With over 100 miles of dedicated bike lanes and trails, as well as bike-friendly initiatives like the city’s Blue Bikes bike-share program, New Orleans is steadily evolving into a premier cycling destination.

How to Get a Bike

New Orleans now has its Blue Bikes bike share program with more than 500 bicycles available to vistitors for a pay-as-you-go rental at $.15 per minute.  Gerken’s on St. Claude offers bike repairs and rentals, with friendly, knowledgeable staff who will gladly tell you great places to check out and how to get there. Buzz Nola Rentals & Tours has a large fleet of cruisers ready to rent and a few great tours as well if you’re interested. A Musing Bikes is your bike rental spot for the Garden District, and both tour groups Crescent City Bike Tours and Confederacy of Cruisers offer rentals as well.

Residents cool off in Lake Pontchartain at sunset.

Exploring New Orleans on Two Wheels

One of the best ways to get your bearings in New Orleans is by hopping on a bike and cruising through the city’s distinct neighborhoods. Start your ride in the French Quarter, where you can navigate the narrow, centuries-old streets more easily than cars or pedestrians caught in the usual tourist rush. While Bourbon Street may not be the best cycling route, Royal and Chartres Streets offer a much more relaxed ride past stunning historic buildings, lively street performers, and charming cafes.

From there, head to the Marigny and Bywater districts, two vibrant neighborhoods known for their colorful Creole cottages, street art, and local hotspots like Crescent Park. This waterfront green space, perched along the Mississippi River, boasts a scenic bike path with sweeping views of the city skyline and river traffic. The Rusty Rainbow, an arched pedestrian and bike bridge, provides a perfect vantage point for soaking in the surroundings before continuing your ride along the park’s dedicated bike lanes.

Rusty Rainbow

Cruise down to historic Jackson Square in the French Quarter to see the street performers, then visit the old market and stop for a beignet and coffee at the infamous Café du Monde. Lock up and head to the riverfront to watch the ships pass on the old Mississippi River before pedaling out for an afternoon ride into the Garden District, home to the best-preserved collection of opulent 1800s mansions in the southern US.

For a breath of fresh air, ride up to City Park, a 1300-acre oasis in the middle of the city. Pack a picnic in your panniers and bask in the shade of 100-year-old oak trees. For a bit of local history, take St. Claude into the Lower Ninth Ward to visit the House of Dance and Feathers, a by-appointment backyard museum honoring the Mardi Gras Indians and the complex, festive history of New Orleans. Bike Easy has an up-to-date printed map of bike routes and paths, available directly from them and a number of bike shops around the city.

Where to Stay

The Old No 77 Hotel and Chandlery on Tchoupitoulas Street has a bicycle-friendly staff who can point you in the right direction for rides around town. The HH Whitney House also provides bike storage and helps arrange rentals and tours. The Garden District’s Southern Comfort Bed and Breakfast has free bicycles for guests.

Kumasi the Dance Band shakes things up at The Maison, a popular restaurant, bar, and venue on Frenchman St.

What to Do

There is absolutely no shortage of things to do in New Orleans. From Halloween to Mardi Gras to Jazzfest to French Quarter Fest, there is almost always some cause for celebration in Crescent City. But first let’s talk about food; you’re going to need energy for all that dancing. Deanie’s Seafood in the French Quarter is a classic spot for Louisiana classics like crawfish and gumbo. Elizabeth’s in Bywater fries up a mean oyster with blue cheese sauce and has decadent, boozy brunches to cure any hangover. Casamento’s has been serving oysters any way you like them since 1919, while the 100-year-old Parkway Bakery & Tavern is famous for its many delicious po’boys. Mother’s is a homestyle, southern greasy-spoon, serving up large platters of fried catfish, baked ham, collard greens, and red beans and rice in portions big enough to fuel whatever ride you’re going on. And if none of that tempts you, you may just find the best fried chicken you’ve ever tried at the local gas station!

Come evening, put a cold beer in your water bottle cage and cruise into the French Quarter to join the party. Bourbon Street is worth seeing, but the slightly less touristy Frenchmen Street is where the real party is. Lock up and stroll up and down Frenchmen, wandering in and out of the multiple venues such as The Maison, the Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, and The Spotted Cat Music Club. Live music is integral to New Orleans’ culture, and shows are nightly, vibrant, and often by donation. If it gets too stuffy inside, simply pick up a cold beer or a hurricane at a roadside bar and ride the narrow streets of the French Quarter, taking in the action and dancing to the horns and strings of street musicians.

If all that partying tuckers you out, you can take a breather with a social bike ride. Bike Easy organizes group rides, such as the Stallings Gentilly Park ride every Monday evening. Or you can go with a guide via any of the great bike tour options. Flambeaux offers a Creole Odyssey and a Bayou Tour to learn about the history of the city. Confederacy of Cruisers runs a cocktail tour for the booze-inclined traveler. Whether biking to the bar, to the park, to the parade or the party, or just cruising around the streets with new friends, there is always something incredible to see in New Orleans, and two wheels is the way to do it.

Bike Lanes and Trails Worth Riding

For those looking to go beyond the bustling streets of the French Quarter, New Orleans has several excellent cycling routes that highlight the city’s natural beauty and historic charm. The Lafitte Greenway, a 2.6-mile linear park and multi-use path, connects the French Quarter to Mid-City, winding through lush green spaces, local breweries, and cultural attractions. This protected path provides one of the safest and most enjoyable rides in town, making it a favorite among both commuters and casual riders.

If you’re in the mood for a longer, scenic ride, take to the Mississippi River Trail, which follows the levee and offers miles of uninterrupted cycling with breathtaking views of the river. The Audubon Park Loop, a 1.8-mile cycling-friendly trail in Uptown, provides a more leisurely experience under the shade of centuries-old oak trees, making it a perfect stop for a picnic or a break to watch the streetcars glide past.

For more great Momentum city and adventure guides go here.

Hilary Angus was the online editor of Momentum Mag.

Julie Verlinden is a freelance photographer, specializing in lifestyle, wedding, stage, and travel photography. Julie Verlinden Photography.