Cycling and Jazz Fest Bike Parking
Dear Jazz Fest: how we love your weekends and your revelry, but oh how we hate the traffic that it causes.
Both Jazz Fest weekends and Mardi Gras are arguably the worst times to drive and/or park your car here in New Orleans. With Uber, taxis, and pedicabs, there are so many options not to drive that I really do question why anyone does it.
For those who wish to ride a bike around during festival season—and to Jazz Fest in particular—here is a little bit of advice on how to do it safely and without being a nuisance yourself.
Know your route
It's fun to ride down unknown streets and see another part of New Orleans, but relatively few people know the names of the streets surrounding the Fair Grounds, thus their way back home. When you want to leave in a hurry as you are sunburnt, tired, and a little tipsy, it's best to know your way home. The homes around the Fair Grounds are just those, homes, so be courteous if you are trying to use a gate to lock your bike. There are few poles or street signs over in this area, which is the great thing about the next point.Bike parking lot
It's huge, but it is packed. Don't take up too much space by locking your bike to another or at an angle so no one else can get around you. When you approach the Fair Grounds entrance, the parking lot will be at Gentilly Boulevard and Sauvage Street pedestrian gates. It is a free-for-all, but space is limited, so play nice!
Consider using a different bike
Maybe you don't want to deal with bringing you're own bike to the Fair Grounds? You're in luck, but there's also Blue Bikes. This bikeshare is a convenient way to get around New Orleans, even when it's not Jazz Fest season. It only costs $1 to unlock a Blue Bike and it's only $0.35 a minute for the ride.Safety, in general
Bring your bike lights and do not try to ride if you are one beer shy of taking a nap on the ground during your last concert. You're really just going to create a lot more trouble for your friends. Make sure to also wear a helmet![]
Travel with people, especially after the festival
When you're in a pack, know where you are going so you do not crowd the already busy streets and add confusion. The bike rides are longer and more treacherous than most are used to, so traveling with friends is always a good choice. From the French Quarter alone, it's about a three-mile journey across many intersections and the notorious Broad Street.Bring presents
You're on a bike, which means you can haul some drinks to enjoy before you cross the threshold into the Disneyland-priced arena. People will really think you planned ahead even if you buy it at a convenience store on the way.What not to do
i.e. ride on sidewalks (which will be packed with people), bike anywhere to the right of the Fair Grounds gate (not because it's scary over there, but trust me, it's not the direction you are intending to go, i.e. French Quarter, Mid-City, home), cut off cars (they are already in traffic and don't need more reasons to hate bikes).
