Switching Gears - Bike Easy's Bike Month

I’ve re written this message several times, and the truth is that I’m beyond words with the news from this morning about a woman on a bike killed in a crash on Gentilly and Spain. It has been less than a week since we posted the fatality statement about the May 12th hit and run fatal crash on Claiborne and Clouet. Since then 2 separate drivers were identified for that hit and run, and the one that happened earlier this year on Jefferson and Annunciation. It has certainly been the opposite of what we pictured as we celebrate Bike Month this year:

Map by Laura Harris – Missing today’s fatal crash on Gentilly Blvd and Spain Street

It felt powerful to gather families, friends, colleagues and folks from the Bike Community last Sunday as we honored those who have died. It was important to create the space, make resources available and come together to find healing: however, change is simply not coming fast enough to prevent crashes, and continues to make it more dangerous to get around these days. To top it off, no one from City Council or the Mayor’s Office took the time to attend the event, even though they received invitations and a reminder for it. Turning a blind eye to this safety crisis is counterproductive to make it safer for our community. I encourage you to contact your local City Council and Mayor and demand a statement is made to at least recognize this issue.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell – mayor@nola.gov – 504.658.4900
Helena N. Moreno – Councilmember At-Large – helena.moreno@nola.gov – 504.658.1060
JP Morrell – Councilmember At-Large – JP.Morrell@nola.gov – 504.658.1070
Joseph I Giarusso III – Councilmember District A – Joseph.Giarusso@nola.gov – 504.658.1010
Lesli Harris – Councilmember District B – Lesli.Harris@nola.gov – 504.658.1020
Freddie King III – Councilmember District C – Freddie.King@nola.gov – 504.658.1030
Eugene J. Green – Councilmember District D – eugene.green@nola.gov – 504.658.1040
Oliver Thomas – Councilmember District E – Oliver.Thomas@nola.gov – 504.658.1050

Pictures by Andre LaFleur Photography

And if you missed it, check WGNO or Verite Coverage for the event.

This has been a pretty tough month for our Advocacy efforts, but a constant reminder of the importance of our work. Please share your thoughts and ideas. We are running out of words.

Our original message for today had more to do with celebrating together the end of Bike Month next week on Wednesday, May 29th at The Broadside (736 N. Broad St) special event in partnership with the Broadside: a screening of Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. Doors open at 7:00 pm and Screening begins close to 8:00 pm. We will be offering FREE Bike Valet, and will have different tables with information for different campaigns, and ways you can become more involved with our Mission to make bicycling easy, safe, and fun for everyone in Greater New Orleans. And Lagniappe: If you bike to event your entry is 1.00 instead of 5.00!

If you are not biking and would like to buy 5.00 tickets in advance, click here

Please come on out and let’s brainstorm together how we can make our city safer.

In Service – and running out of words…

Allene La Spina
Executive Director