Purple Way – Mardi Gras 2026

The Purple Way is a suggested way for folks to safely and conveniently walk, bike & roll to and from Uptown parades and the French Quarter during Carnival Season!

These suggested routes were created to increase bicycle usage.
Users of these suggested routes should be aware that potential hazards and obstructions may exist on the suggested routes shown and this map does not guarantee safe cycling conditions or reflect road conditions including pavement conditions, traffic volume, or speed. 
Bike Easy disclaims any responsibility for errors, omissions or inaccuracies in this map and in no event shall this party be liable for any damage or loss of any kind related to the data and information contained on this map.
 

Additional Resources

Bike Easy's Mardi Gras Safe Riding Tips

Carnival is a great time to get around by bike!  However, it is also a time where a lot more people come to town which leads to more variables and things that may go wrong, so planning ahead is key.  Also keep these safety tips in mind as you enjoy Mardi Gras on bike:

  • Look for Hazards
  • Be Prepared
  • Lock up strategically and be courteous
  • Don’t bike through crowds
  • Bike Safely

Read more in this handy guide! 

Bike Streets

Looking for more routes to connect to the Purple Way?

Bike Easy has partnered with Bike Streets to create a low-stress bike map of New Orleans. With the help of local biketographers, we’ve mapped out quiet residential streets, protected bike lanes, and trails that make it easier to get around the city by bike.

Take a look at the route map and download the app for turn by turn navigation. We’re still in beta so more routes are being added everyday and you can help by suggesting more!

Blue Bikes Nola

Blue Bikes is the local nonprofit Bikeshare system.  Blue Bikes is an affordable, convenient, fun and flexible way for New Orleanians to maneuver across the city for Mardi Gras parades, parties, and king cake pickup… Wherever Carnival take you!

This year, Blue Bikes is adding extra special treats for their riders: Promo Codes for some of the Parades:

  • Krewe of Prometheus ride on January 23rd (PROMETHEUS26, good for one two-hour ride).
  • CHEWBACCHUS26 – one 30-minute ride, valid for January 24th
  • TITREX26 – one 30-minute ride, valid for February 1st
  • OSHUNCLEO26 – one 30-minute ride, valid for February 6th
  • BARKUS26 – one 30-minute ride, valid for February 8th
  • MUSES26 – one 30-minute ride, valid for February 12th
  • ENDYMION26 – one 30-minute ride, valid for February 14th
 
Temporary Service Expansion
 
Blue Bikes will expand their service area from Lasalle St to Tchoipitoulas St, and from Louisiana Ave and Jefferson Ave.  For most up to date information of proposed hubs, check the Blue Bikes App
 

#SearchingForBabyBlue 

 

If you ride a Blue Bike and find a king cake between now and Mardi Gras day, February 17, you can enter the contest by doing these 3 things:

  • Follow Blue Bikes @BlueBikesNola on social media
  • Post photos on your social media or your Instagram stories, tagging blue bikes
  • Use the hashtag #SearchingForBabyBlue in your post

Riders who do these 3 things will be entered to win a one-year Blue Bikes membership ($300.00 value).  There is no limit on entries – you can post as often as you ride a Blue Bike with a king cake baby.

After the contest ends on February 17, Blue Krewe will select a grand prize winner through a random drawing of all eligible social media posts.

For more information, visit BlueBikesNola.com

NOLA Ready & RouteWise

Visit the NOLA Ready Mardi Gras 2026 site for the most up to date Carnival details from the City of New Orleans:

This handy map put together by the City of New Orleans includes:

  • Parade Routes – including dates and times
  • Locations of Public Toilets
  • Locations of First Aid Stations
  • Locations of Lost Child Stations
  • Locations of Recycling Hubs

Safe Crossings

Have you ever been stuck in “the Box” and not sure where it is safe for you to cross?  Look no further!  

Whether you are walking, biking, or an emergency vehicle trying to cross parade routes*  your safe crossings for Mardi Gras 2026 are:

  • Poydras St & St Charles Ave – Uptown Parades
  • Galvez St & Canal St – Endymion
*As long as it is safe to do – before and immediately after parades.  Always follow the instructions of emergency personnel on the route.

Regional Transit Authority

Here is the RTA’s 26 Mardi Gras Guide for transit detours for the different parades.  Either way, make sure you allow extra time on parade days when planning your trips.

Are we missing anything?  If you have any thoughts or comments about the Purple Way campaign, please contact Allene La Spina – allene@bikeeasy.org

Huge Thank you to all the Partners that helped with this campaign!

And to our Supporters!

  • Clark Thompson
  • Krewe de Fleurs
  • Krewe du Fu
  • New Orleans Complete Streets Coalition
  • RIDE New Orleans
  • Sistahs on Wheels