Biking to Jazz Fest?

[Zejha]

I haven't been to a Jazz Fest before and I know it's a few miles from the French Quarter. I thought biking back and forth everyday might be a fun way to get there and easier than taking a taxi, since I've heard the waits can be long. But, I haven't had much success finding a place that rents bikes...does anyone know a place?

[Zydekitten]

Bicycle Michael's on Frenchmen St. in the Marigny is where I shop for all my bike needs!!

http://www.bicyclemichaels.com/

:D

[swag]

There's a list here, but I don't know how up to date it is. I think that French Quarter Bicycles is closed; if so, that makes Michael's the only shop convenient to the downtown/FQ/Marigny area.

http://www.neworleansbicycleclub.org/shoplist.htm

[SkyeDragon]

Take into consideration that you are going to be roaming the Fest soaking up music/food/beverages, dancing, and just plain vibrating with joy for 8 hours. The trip back to the FQ is gonna be a lot longer that the trip to the track. Then there is the burning desire for a shower and clean clothes before going out for the evening shows.

More power to ya if you have the energy to bike :)

[marignygreg]

I usually walk it. It is an easy walk from the Lower Quarter/Marigny area. I am with a group though, and would not be to willing to walk it alone at night.

[RobbieD]

I've never been for Jazzfest, but when I was down last month we biked everywhere the whole week, including all our late night music trips. Might not be right for some, but then again, I had a friend leading me thw whole time.

Anyway, I just saw an ad on NOLA craigslist for a place that will deliver cruisers to your B+B if you rent them for the week, but I don't know how to link it...just check craigslist.

[jazzykeb]

I haven't been to a Jazz Fest before and I know it's a few miles from the French Quarter. I thought biking back and forth everyday might be a fun way to get there and easier than taking a taxi, since I've heard the waits can be long. But, I haven't had much success finding a place that rents bikes...does anyone know a place?

It's great Zejha. Been doing it for years. NO is a great place to bike cause it is all flat! It's a short ride, right up Esplanade. It is a great way to see a little bit more of reality then you do from a car, and the breeze is nice! Bicycle Michaels is the place. Just swing by there and they will take care of ya!

[mfrankkk]

With the streets so crowded, are there bike lanes?? Don't want to be mowed down by excited travelers!

[texasyokel]

If you ride in your city you'll Love it. It's the daredevil in you that will love it : ) because there's lots of traffic and broken glass and stuff to avoid and cars sticking out and coming out and not looking out and nobody like obeys traffic laws. To call New Orleans flat is an understatement it's manifestly perfectly pool table flat. Bicycle Michael's is supercool, I'd call now and see what they say about availability and reservations.


Woo woo I'm no longer a Junior member, 35 is the magic number.

[stlbarb]

With the streets so crowded, are there bike lanes?? Don't want to be mowed down by excited travelers!

i havent ever noticed a bike lane. and i rarely see helmets being worn. and have seen bikes out after dark with no lights.
personally, i find driving in NOLA daredevil enough. when driving, i share the road with bicycles (but i expect them to obey the traffic rules). i 'm not sure all drivers are as accepting.

my pet peeve with bikes in the 1/4 is they donot obey the oneway signs. i've almost been run over a few times by wrong way bicycles.

[rosetree]

No bike lanes on the trip from the quarter to the Fest. :(
The drivers here are as bad as anywhere else...turn signals seem optional...people who have been drinking all day behind the wheel of a couple of tons of steel fighting for position on narrow streets---doesn't seem to be my idea of a fun time.

[Zydekitten]

I'm with JazzyKeb - I bike to Fest every year and have for over 10 years - it's GREAT! Now that I live here permanently I bike all over town. Yes, there aren't official bike lanes like back in Cali, but lots and lots of folks use bikes instead of cars - you just need to be careful of uneven street conditions and cars that aren't looking out for you on a bike (like anywhere really).

From the 1/4, the best route to the fair grounds is up Ursulines and then take cut over to the right on N. Dupre, then a slight left on Grand Route (Rte) St. John, then right on Sauvage . . . keep going down Sauvage, where there's a entry gate and bike racks right next to it.

:D

[stlbarb]

No bike lanes on the trip from the quarter to the Fest. :(
The drivers here are as bad as anywhere else...turn signals seem optional...people who have been drinking all day behind the wheel of a couple of tons of steel fighting for position on narrow streets---doesn't seem to be my idea of a fun time.

but there are others who swear its a great way to go.
it would never work for me, i like my chair and cooler at fest, and the possiblity of pedalling home in less than ideal w3@ther is a big turn off for me.

then there are our Krewe Rules, if something you are about to do, could break one of the rules, reconsider:
1) nobody goes to the hospital
2) nobody goes to jail
3) nodoby gets their car towed (added for NOLA)

[marignygreg]

Just wear clothes when you bike. Or not ??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68Ze1ZcqnO0&feature=related

[Zydekitten]

I swear, I swear - it's a great way to go!!!

I have my bike basket and in it I take my chair and bag of goodies (I could include a small cooler, but I don't) . . . it does necessitate a nice cool shower at the end of the day in between the Fest and night time entertainment - which is a lovely break in any case. ;)

I haven't had too many icky weather issues with bicycling over the years - not really many negative issues at all . . . and it's excellent exercise, not to mention a WHOLE lot less expensive then a cab or parking! :D

[Blitzzzzz]

I'm with JazzyKeb - I bike to Fest every year and have for over 10 years - it's GREAT! Now that I live here permanently I bike all over town. Yes, there aren't official bike lanes like back in Cali, but lots and lots of folks use bikes instead of cars - you just need to be careful of uneven street conditions and cars that aren't looking out for you on a bike (like anywhere really).

From the 1/4, the best route to the fair grounds is up Ursulines and then take cut over to the right on N. Dupre, then a slight left on Grand Route (Rte) St. John, then right on Sauvage . . . keep going down Sauvage, where there's a entry gate and bike racks right next to it.
:D

I've been walking or biking to Fest from the lower Quarter for more than 10 years. I would not advise a novice to take the route through Treme, but rather use Esplanade straight out to Bayou Rd. and then up Bayou to the Fairgrounds Main Gate where you will also find a bike corral. Even with the gentrification that is sweeping the area it is best to stay on the main drag. While the street can get busy at high tide, the sidewalks are always available and never that crowded. Especially on the trip home, I recommend stay where there are people on the street. :cool:

[heyhon]

I've also been biking for years, and really enjoy the freedom of not having to deal with cars, cabs, etc. Avoid Esplanade on your way back, however - too many tired, impatient festers who may have lost their jazzfest "vibe" when they got behind the wheel. Use one of the parallel streets just upriver from Esplanade for a nice relaxing ride back.

[Belle]

I swear, I swear - it's a great way to go!!!

I have my bike basket and in it I take my chair and bag of goodies (I could include a small cooler, but I don't) . . . it does necessitate a nice cool shower at the end of the day in between the Fest and night time entertainment - which is a lovely break in any case. ;)

I haven't had too many icky weather issues with bicycling over the years - not really many negative issues at all . . . and it's excellent exercise, not to mention a WHOLE lot less expensive then a cab or parking! :D


Having never met you in person, can't say for sure but from pix here I think I saw you last year a few times. You my friend are the reason I want to try this mode of transportation this time. The wind on your face, the cool basket on front and the big wide smile on your face! Heaven on wheels!

A month or so ago we had this conversation but I haven't found the thread yet but when I do I will TRY to link it. Lots of information there too. I forgot to bookmark it.:o

But those visions of Zydekitten, never will forget!

[marignygreg]

A word of caution. The potholes on some side streets could give the Grand Canyon a run for the money. I would also be a little iffy about biking Treme after dark, however I admire those that do. Z-Kit looks like she still has her front claws and I would not mess with her:).

[jazzykeb]

FYI, Bicycle Michaels does not take reservations, but they stock up on TONS of bikes for the fest. We have never had a problem getting one. Everything I bring to fest fits in my knapsack.

As far as weather goes, if you are wet at the fest, getting wet on a 10 minute bike ride, on your way home to a warm shower and dry clothes is no big deal.

To each his own, but my group has always found the bikes to be an awesome addition to the whole event. The only issues we have ever had have been funny ones that usually involve over indulgence at the fest....

Belle, I think you and i chatted about bikes on another thread a couple a months ago.

[Belle]

FYI, Bicycle Michaels does not take reservations, but they stock up on TONS of bikes for the fest. We have never had a problem getting one. Everything I bring to fest fits in my knapsack.

As far as weather goes, if you are wet at the fest, getting wet on a 10 minute bike ride, on your way home to a warm shower and dry clothes is no big deal.

To each his own, but my group has always found the bikes to be an awesome addition to the whole event. The only issues we have ever had have been funny ones that usually involve over indulgence at the fest....

Belle, I think you and i chatted about bikes on another thread a couple a months ago.

Jazzykeb

Could you email me at bosltyler at yahoo dot com?

Thanks bunches

[995webmaster]

I haven't been to a Jazz Fest before and I know it's a few miles from the French Quarter. I thought biking back and forth everyday might be a fun way to get there and easier than taking a taxi, since I've heard the waits can be long. But, I haven't had much success finding a place that rents bikes...does anyone know a place?

I live here, and I bike everywhere! I live Uptown, and I'll still ride to the Fest most days. I even ride to City Park fairly regularly.

I love riding right up to the gate and getting free parking. I actually beat my neighbor home one day last year, cuz she had along walk to the car.

I'm a little torn on the best route--people in this thread are making good points. Esplanade has more traffic, but that makes it safer, from a crime perspective.

I'm also a fan of the pot holes--they're easy to avoid on a bike, and they work like speed bumps at slowing down the cars.

Just take your time and enjoy the trip!

[revjimk]

I've done the bike thing to Jazzfest & its great.
I rented my bike from a place on Tulane, don't know if its still open. One word of warning:I asked the guy at the bike store if it was safe to ride late at nite. He said "NO". I ignored him, thinking "I'm cool" BS!!!!
One nite I got chased by 3 youngbloods on Airline Hiway not too far from Rock'n Bowl. Fortunately, on a bike, I could outrun them.
I love bike riding, I love New Orleans, just be careful
rev

[Blitzzzzz]

I've done the bike thing to Jazzfest & its great.
I rented my bike from a place on Tulane, don't know if its still open. One word of warning:I asked the guy at the bike store if it was safe to ride late at nite. He said "NO". I ignored him, thinking "I'm cool" BS!!!!
One nite I got chased by 3 youngbloods on Airline Hiway not too far from Rock'n Bowl. Fortunately, on a bike, I could outrun them.
I love bike riding, I love New Orleans, just be careful
rev

Last year there were reports of folks being robbed on bikes by gangs, sometimes using sticks in your spokes. Bottom line is use your head anytime you are traveling around NO by foot or bike. Same rules apply.
Stay where there are other people.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour.
:cool:

[mwgirlonherown]

I've ridden to the festival for three/four years now and love it.

My experience is that New Orleans motorists are not as accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists.

Ride defensively; especially on main arteries as Esplanade and Magazine. Many motorists don't understand that some of us are moving at +18 mphs.
I had someone turn right in front of me on Canal at Basin last year. I struck the side of the turning vehicle and thank god I managed to keep my balance while pushing myself off the car! A second earlier, this would have been ugly! I probably scratched or dented the vehicle, however, the motorist made no effort to stop! After this experience, I'll be riding at a more leisurely pace and perhaps I'll avoid Canal.

[Muffaletta Diver]

Don't forget to watch out for the packs of wild dogs and Aboriginal Pygmys with poisoned darts. They prey on bikers as well.

LOL...sorry...I was just perusing the many dangers of biking in NOLA and began to wonder why anyone would bother to run that gauntlet! :D

[Zydekitten]

I've been walking or biking to Fest from the lower Quarter for more than 10 years. I would not advise a novice to take the route through Treme, but rather use Esplanade straight out to Bayou Rd. and then up Bayou to the Fairgrounds Main Gate where you will also find a bike corral. Even with the gentrification that is sweeping the area it is best to stay on the main drag. While the street can get busy at high tide, the sidewalks are always available and never that crowded. Especially on the trip home, I recommend stay where there are people on the street. :cool:
I used to take that route for years myself - but lately the car traffic and the road/sidewalk conditions just got too stressful . . . a local bike friend recommended the Ursuline route and unless it's after dark, it seems to be just fine.

I would agree though that after dark, another route might work better.

[Zydekitten]

Don't forget to watch out for the packs of wild dogs and Aboriginal Pygmys with poisoned darts. They prey on bikers as well.

LOL...sorry...I was just perusing the many dangers of biking in NOLA and began to wonder why anyone would bother to run that gauntlet! :D
And driving a car in NOLA is so danger-free??!? :p

Yes, there are some concerns to bicycling to the fairgrounds (or anywhere in an urban environment), but they are FAR outweighed by the benefits - or I wouldn't do it - my mama didn't raise no fool. ;)

I've ridden after dark in this town for years both visiting and now living here and I've never had a problem, but I'm also pretty cognizant of my routes. With a lot of places Uptown and in Mid-City, I just drive my automobile or cab it.

Indeed as the sage advice on this thread has said - better safe than sorry and be aware of your surroundings.

[jazzykeb]

Hey ZydeK, let them be scared. Just more room for our bikes!

[Zydekitten]

Hey ZydeK, let them be scared. Just more room for our bikes!
I LIKE it!!! You're a man after my own sneaky heart, JK!! ;) :D

[Blitzzzzz]

Hey ZydeK, let them be scared. Just more room for our bikes!

No one is being scared, but if I'm not mistaken, the route ZydeK is suggesting takes you right through the neighborhood that Daniel Breaux was shot in leaving the Fairgrounds in 2004.:mad:

[Zydekitten]

Well, true - but that was years ago, that area has improved some since then.

Tell y'all what . . . I'll drive it and take a looksee and if it doesn't look too savory - I'll make a post here and eat my words (and tell my local biking friend he's full of hooey). :D

I definitely would never want to be responsible for folks getting in harm's way - that would crush me. :(

[jazzykeb]

No one is being scared, but if I'm not mistaken, the route ZydeK is suggesting takes you right through the neighborhood that Daniel Breaux was shot in leaving the Fairgrounds in 2004.:mad:

Blitzzz I was not making light of legit concerns (which have been voiced numerous times) about being aware of your surroundings and being street savy ANYWHERE you are in NO, whether on a bike or not.

It was directed more at the pygmys etc. :)

[almarco]

Well, true - but that was years ago, that area has improved some since then.

Tell y'all what . . . I'll drive it and take a looksee and if it doesn't look too savory - I'll make a post here and eat my words (and tell my local biking friend he's full of hooey). :D

I definitely would never want to be responsible for folks getting in harm's way - that would crush me. :(

or make them eat olives?

[Belle]

Biking in numbers could be real humerous. How many biking kinds here anyway?

Two here

[Blitzzzzz]

Well, true - but that was years ago, that area has improved some since then.
I definitely would never want to be responsible for folks getting in harm's way - that would crush me. :(

I know it would, Kitten, that's why I mentioned it. 2004 might have been the golden age in New Orleans, especially with all that's happened since, and the gentrification is astounding, but my point was staying on the main drag keeps things visible and visibility and traffic keep the bad elements under their rocks.
I don't recommend folks walking down the less traveled streets in the Quarter, or the Marigny, either.:cool:

[jazzykeb]

Biking in numbers could be real humerous. How many biking kinds here anyway?

Two here

It definitely can be Belle! I had a group of over 20 back in 2003....there were several alcohol induced funny moments on the trip home (take my advice, do NOT try to ride down the middle of Esplanade in the island, the tree roots will kill ya!).

Just going to be 2 of us this year.

Did you get my email?

[Zydekitten]

Me and my multiple personalities make 1 . . .

[Festnfreida]

"I've ridden after dark in this town for years both visiting and now living here and I've never had a problem, but I'm also pretty cognizant of my routes. With a lot of places Uptown and in Mid-City, I just drive my automobile or cab it.

Indeed as the sage advice on this thread has said - better safe than sorry and be aware of your surroundings."

This is all very good advice even for someone who can no longer ride a bike but the prevailing theme of being aware of your surroundings did not help me several years ago when I would have been mugged on Canal walking from the bus at Rampart had I not begged the people in front of me to let me catch up and walk with them. I was very much aware that someone in a white t-shirt was following me because he stopped when I did and we were approaching the part of the sidewalk that was boarded up for construction. There were no stores to duck into and had those people not been there, my awareness wouldn't have done me much good at all.

Soooo, forgive me for hijacking this thread for just a moment but does anyone know of any device that can be carried with a button that would activate a loud alarm? I know there are whistles but I'd be too scared to blow it and I think there are other things with pins to pull out which takes two hands. Using a cane, I only have use of one hand. I've searched the web with littlel success but if anyone knows of something, I'd really appreciate the info. Thanks.

[Blitzzzzz]

Soooo, forgive me for hijacking this thread for just a moment but does anyone know of any device that can be carried with a button that would activate a loud alarm? I know there are whistles but I'd be too scared to blow it and I think there are other things with pins to pull out which takes two hands. Using a cane, I only have use of one hand. I've searched the web with littlel success but if anyone knows of something, I'd really appreciate the info. Thanks.

Frieda, check this one out. It has a button. There is another one from the same site that has a belt clip and a pull pin which might work for you as well.
I don't know this company, I just found them by googling "personal alarms.":cool:
http://www.streetdefender.com/MC-219.htm

[Festnfreida]

Frieda, check this one out. It has a button. There is another one from the same site that has a belt clip and a pull pin which might work for you as well.
I don't know this company, I just found them by googling "personal alarms.":cool:
http://www.streetdefender.com/MC-219.htm

Hey thanks. I googled that site too and found the one with the button, the one with the lanyard and one with a belt clip. Then I found one on Ebay that works with either the panic button or the pull clip and uses a 9-volt battery. Shall we say I've been throwing money at my anxiety? I'll be looking like a Christmas tree walking down the street with all that hanging off'a me. ;) Thanks again for researching that for me. Don't know why I didn't find them the first time I looked a month or two ago.

[Blitzzzzz]

I'll be looking like a Christmas tree walking down the street with all that hanging off'a me. ;)

YYR, all you need are some of those safety strobes! Glad to help.:cool:

[denbear]

I'm chiming into this one late, but I'm finally back online...
biking to & from fest is awesome IF you head's still focused after all day at Fest; ya gotta have just a l'il bit of energy left that'll multiply as soon as you start rolling. Then the breeze generated by your momentum sweetly kicks in & then you're gliding by herds of idling cars that ain't hardly budging. But definitely stay on higher profile paths and WATCH OUT for POTHOLES. Learn in N'awlins to avoid putting yourself in isolated situations, this creates the opportunity for the ruthless. But biking's a way smooth glide into or outta Fest whatever time of o' day.

[revjimk]

Good advice all around. New Orleans is small enough that you can get to most places on a bike without too much trouble, but its not really "Bicycle friendly" like for example Eugene , Oregon. Few bike paths
By that I mean cars are probably more likely to nail you than criminals. Narrow streets, crazy bumpy broken sidewalks..... but its still a great place to bike ride. Gives you more time to check out architecture, local color, stop & BS with folks...
Life involves risk...;)
Marcia Ball told me personally that her favorite way to do Mardi Gras was on bike
rev

[revjimk]

Also:
Despite aching feet and knees after walking & dancing all over JF, a bike ride actually made my legs feel a lot better by using muscles differently.
This from a guy who's had 3 knee operations (old schoolyard basketball player). If I don't ride my bike regularly, I can barely walk (but can always dance, for some odd reason.... fun?)
rev

[Moon]

Also, watch out for drug dealers. I had some friends ride up on a real unfriendly scene a few years ago. It was their last trip to Fest on a bike.

[Muffaletta Diver]

Good advice, all of it, but also be aware of the mudslides, sinkholes, earthquakes, wildfires, swarms of locusts, Black Plague, genital herpes, Global Warming, the lumber industry, George W. Bush, Barry Bonds, clown cars, avacados, sea monkeys, pyramid schemes and the creepy guy who paints himself silver in a shady attempt to pose as a statue but who really only wants to take your money.

[revjimk]

Barry Bonds isn't a threat!

[Muffaletta Diver]

At JazzFest he is...his steroid-swollen head is so damn big that no one behind him can see past it! :D

[stlbarb]

Barry Bonds isn't a threat!

shouldnt that be
Barry Bonds isn't a threat*

[jazzykeb]

Good advice, all of it, but also be aware of the mudslides, sinkholes, earthquakes, wildfires, swarms of locusts, Black Plague, genital herpes, Global Warming, the lumber industry, George W. Bush, Barry Bonds, clown cars, avacados, sea monkeys, pyramid schemes and the creepy guy who paints himself silver in a shady attempt to pose as a statue but who really only wants to take your money.

Absolutely muffaletta. When you are walking, taking the street car, driving or taking the shuttle, you are absolutely immune to all of these threats. But when you are on a bicycle WATCHOUT!!! You are a magnet for each and every one! ;)

[Belle]

Also, be aware of the mudslides, sinkholes, earthquakes, wildfires, swarms of locusts, Black Plague, genital herpes, Global Warming, the lumber industry, George W. Bush, Barry Bonds, clown cars, avacados, sea monkeys, pyramid schemes and the creepy guy who paints himself silver in a shady attempt to pose as a statue but who really only wants to take your money.


You are so right. Walking away from fest to catch a cab or just walking has to be riskier..no?

[stlbarb]

You are so right. Walking away from fest to catch a cab or just walking has to be riskier..no?

i think the bicycles take a different path back to the 1/4 than the walkers who stick to Esplanade and are many in number.
Cab stands are close to fest - again safety in numbers.

Crossing streets, even at corners with the walk sign, can be risky. Assume every driver is drunk and does not see you. its not california, they dont always stop for pedestrians.

[Blitzzzzz]

Here's a couple of tips if you are planning on renting.
If you have them at home, bring you bell and strobe to attach to your rental.
The bell helps, especially in areas where you're sidewalk riding for safety sake.
And the strobe, too, if you plan to ride much at night!

And now, back to the mudslides, etc!:cool:

[marignygreg]

As long as you do not linger after the Fest, you can be on your way home by 7:15 when it would still be light out. You can beat the rush on Esplanade or take the side streets more safely. My side street route would be Gov. Nichols or Barracks as they are right off Esplanade. I used to love going out on my bike around 3:00 AM and ride thru da Quarters.

[Zejha]

Wow, thanks everyone for your advice. I know this is already a few days old, but I am so impressed by how helpful everyone in this forum is.

Bikes are how we handle it at home, so bikes for jazzfest it is this time, since it seems doable taking usual precautions. We made reservations through Confederacy of Cruisers, just because it seems easier knowing in advance we have a bike.

mp into anyone who gave advice in this thread, I'll buy you a beer.

Zejha

[jazzykeb]

np Zejha. Glad you are joining the ranks. Where is Confederacy of Cruisers?

[Zydekitten]

BTW, I did check out Ursulines and there's a lot of great house renovation going on and it looks fine.

So, my own pedal plan is to take Esplanade to N. Claiborne, take a right, go one block to Ursulines, turn right, then go up Ursulines to N. Dupre and turn right. Then I'll take N. Dupre to Grand Route St. John, turn left and take the first right on Sauvage . . . and voila!

Of course as has been said here earlier - one size does not fit all and individual mileage may vary.

Have fun on your bikes and be careful out there! :D

[Blitzzzzz]

BTW, I did check out Ursulines and there's a lot of great house renovation going on and it looks fine.

Of course as has been said here earlier - one size does not fit all and individual mileage may vary.

Have fun on your bikes and be careful out there! :D

Even with the gentrification that is sweeping the area it is best to stay on the main drag. While the street can get busy at high tide, the sidewalks are always available and never that crowded. Especially on the trip home, I recommend stay where there are people on the street. :cool:

One more time and then I'll let it go. I think it's naive to assume that gentrification is a good gauge of street safety, especially when the danger from vehicle traffic has been vastly overstated. Stay where the people are!:cool: