Riding bike can be one of the quickest ways to get around New Orleans. The streets are typically packed, parking is a nightmare, and the stress of driving can quickly take the fun out of your trip. Riding bikes and bike rentals are a smart and quick alternative to navigating your way around Nola.
Blue Bicycles of New Orleans
This is my personal favorite way to snag a bike and roll through Nola!
Blue Bikes is a new way to navigate New Orleans. It is an affordable bike share program developed by the city of New Orleans to help tourist and locals navigate through the Greater New Orleans area.
These bikes are smart! No really, they are smart bikes that come with GPS tracking and built-in safety features! For those who are navigationally challenged this is the perfect way for you to bike confidently with a user friendly design. Blue Bikes are integrated with New Orlean's transit system and will help guide you to where you want to go! You can pre-book, pre-pay, and reserve!
How Blue Bikes Work
You have to download and register on the app - Apple App | Google App
Locate a Bike Pick Up Location on the App
To unlock the bike and start strolling through Nola you will need to enter your account number and pin number you created on the app into the back of the bike you want to ride.
Place the lock in the holster before you take off! Navigate and Ride!
To make a quick stop, press the “HOLD” button and lock the bike to a rack.
To end a ride, just lock your bike to any Blue Bikes station. Or, lock it at a public bike rack for a small additional fee.
Blue Bikes are easy, practical, user friendly, and a ton of fun! You can rent them by the minute, monthly, or annually. Prices start at 10 cents! All this info can be found in the app!
Check out this Blue Bike overview that covers everything you want to know about Blue Bikes!
Biking Activities with Groups
Bike Easy - this is a non-profit organization that is all volunteer!
Semi-Tough Cycling Club - If exercise is your thing this group has a 12-mile Saturday Club Rides and Tuesday Night Loops around the New Orleans Museum of Art.
New Orleans Bicycle Club - If competitive biking is your thing than join the Annual Tour de Louisiane.
New Orleans Metro Area Mountain Bike Organization - Created & maintains Spillway Trail and offer a lot of info on trail riding, races, & events.
NOLA Women on Bikes - if you are a woman and want find other women who love to bike.
YEP: Youth Empowerment Project - For your kids and teenagers
Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus - If you are sci-fi or like to tinker with inventions (bike contraptions welcome)
Bon Jeudi Social Bike Ride - For your trips on Northshore
Biking Tours
I haven't taken bike tours with all of these companies, but I did some research and here are the top 4 highest rated tour companies in Nola and links to their trip advisor pages to get real reviews.
FreeWheelin' Bike Tours - Family friendly & Ethically Sourced
These guys claim to be the number one hotel recommended bike tour company. They focus one stop shop bike rentals to go along with your tour. They also produce all American made part bikes. They build each bike in our shop with parts sourced from American manufacturers – the frame is 100% American built. Their reviews speak highly and seam very family friendly!
Buzz Nola Bike Tours and Rentals - For the History Buff and Enthusiast.
Pedal through two centuries of New Orleans history on a combo bike tour of the French Quarter and Garden District. Learn about the city’s Creole roots as you ride along the banks of the Mississippi and through the legendary streets of the oldest neighborhood in town. Then, cross over to the ‘American’ side, where stately southern mansions overlook leafy boulevards and the time-worn tombs of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. It’s a great way to meet the many faces of New Orleans while enjoying fresh air and exercise.
Flam Beaux Tours - If You Prefer Small Groups
Tours are designed to help you unlock the city’s indigenous culture and understand its incredible past. You will visit key historical landmarks, roam neighborhoods founded hundreds of years ago, hear riffs of jazz, and smell authentic Creole cuisine wafting through the air. Join us and immerse yourself in the incomparable, history-drenched energy of this northern-most city of the Caribbean.
Confederacy of Cruisers Bike Tours - For the Crazy Stories You Want Here Just Everywhere
Known as New Orleans Original bike tour company. Tours roll through several scenic traditionally Creole neighborhoods including the old Faubourgs; Marigny and Treme and down into the friendly and colorful Bywater. Taking routes that can be customized as you go depending on your interest. Expect to explore the architecture and history of the city, unraveling the mysteries and crazy stories of the past and present, that will give you a glimpse into the heart of Nola's unique local culture.
Hope these tips and recommendations help you navigate and plan your trip to New Orleans! Come back after your trip and share your experience in the comments below!
Do you have any other bicycling tips from Nola or crazy stories you want to share? Leave them in the comments below!
Want More on What To Do and How To Do It in New Orleans! Click the Graphic Below for our full Guide to Visiting New Orleans.
