New Orleans' Metro Bicycle Coalition sent me the following cycling related news for the N'awlins area:

Tour de Jefferson - November 8
The 3rd Annual Tour de Jefferson will be taking place on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego.  The ride includes both a short 7-mile loop and the complete 45-mile circuit to Jean Lafitte and back.  Registration is now open, visit their website for details and registration.

New Orleans Gets Bike League Honorable Mention
The League of American Bicyclists announced the newest recipients of their Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Program.  While just missing a bronze designation, New Orleans did receive an honorable mention from the League.

The League's BFC Director, Bill Nesper, says the League hopes to offer a variety of technical support to help New Orleans achieve the potential they see in the city.  With so many great plans in the works, New Orleans could easily achieve a bronze designation in 2010.

Mississippi River Trail (MRT) Expansion Under Way
Construction is underway on a 6 mile stretch of levee top trail on the Westbank of St. Charles Parish from Luling to Hahnville. Project managers expect construction be be complete by the end of the year.

Construction will also begin in the near future to extend the MRT Eastbank trail from Ormond Blvd to Harding Street in New Sarpy.

NOLA Bike Bash: November 20-22
Start planning for a weekend of bicycle fun on November 20-22, 2009.  MBC will be partnering with other local bicycle groups for the NOLA Bike Bash.  Activities will include a bike polo tournament, a BBQ at Bayou St. John, a French Quarter ride, screenings of the movie "Veer" and more.

Stay tuned for more information.  To get involved, email info@mbcnola.org.

New Orleans Final Master Plan Meeting Today
Public hearings for the New Orleans Master Plan will conclude today with the third and final hearing.  The hearing will be held this afternoon from 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the New Orleans City Council Chambers.

Written comments must be submitted by 5:00pm on October 28, 2009 (tomorrow).  So go to the hearings or submit comments in support of making New Orleans a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly city.

Of all the above news, the most exciting is word that the expansion of the MRT is happening. As additional segments of a motor-free MRT come online here in Southeast Louisiana, the goal of riding a paved loop of both sides of the Mississippi River (from the French Quarter) comes closer as does a paved trail extending all the way up to Baton Rouge. It will not be simple to complete; however, once this happens, both routes will become overnight tourist attractions, drawing cyclists and acclaim from around the world.

Labels: Bicycle-news-New-Orleans