Earlier this month, Bike Easy and the Greater New Orleans Foundation were proud to host BIKE Talks – Louisiana Bootlace Trails Network, a dynamic conversation about the future of connected trails and greenways across our region. The event brought together community members, advocates, and stakeholders—including Jennifer Ruley of Orleans Parish, Angela De Soto of Jefferson Parish, and Deborah Fagan of St. Bernard Parish—to explore how the Louisiana Bootlace Trail Network can improve mobility, health, and quality of life for everyone in Southeast Louisiana.
Community members, advocates, and leaders from across the region gathered for BIKE Talks – Louisiana Bootlace Trails Network.
A Vision for a Connected Region
The Bootlace Trails vision is simple but transformative: a continuous, connected trail system that links our neighborhoods, parks, and waterways across parish lines. When fully realized, this network will give residents and visitors safe, convenient, and enjoyable ways to walk, bike, and roll between communities.
Speakers highlighted how trails are more than just paths for recreation—they are vital infrastructure that can:
Provide safe, car-free routes for everyday travel
Connect people with jobs, schools, and services
Promote active lifestyles and public health
Support local businesses and tourism
Protect the environment by reducing car dependency and preserving natural landscapes
Insights from Parish Leaders
Our featured speakers shared updates and unique perspectives on trail planning in their respective parishes:
Jennifer Ruley (Orleans Parish) emphasized the importance of integrating trails with existing bike lanes and neighborhood greenways, ensuring that connectivity reaches deep into communities.
Angela De Soto (Jefferson Parish) spoke about opportunities to expand recreational and commuting routes, linking suburban communities more directly with jobs and destinations across the region.
Deborah Fagan (St. Bernard Parish) shared how trails can build on the parish’s natural assets—such as levees and waterways—while also creating new opportunities for residents to stay active and connected.
Angela De Soto of Jefferson Parish and Jennifer Ruley of New Orleans Department of Public Works review opportunities for trail connections.
Their presentations underscored how regional collaboration will be essential to weaving together the “bootlace” that ties our parishes together.
Community Engagement and Shared Priorities
The event wasn’t just about presentations—it was about listening. Attendees discussed opportunities for collaboration and stressed the importance of equity in trail planning, ensuring that projects benefit all residents, regardless of background, age, or ability.
Key themes that emerged from the conversation included:
Regional Collaboration – Building across parish lines to make the network truly seamless.
Equity and Access – Ensuring trails are safe, welcoming, and accessible to everyone.
Community Voice – Keeping residents at the center of decision-making and design.
Resilience and Sustainability – Designing trails that protect the environment while supporting long-term climate adaptation.
What’s Next for the Bootlace Trails
Momentum for the Louisiana Bootlace Trails continues to grow. By connecting existing trails with new projects, we can create a world-class trail network that makes it easier for people to move through Southeast Louisiana without a car.
Bike Easy and our partners are committed to advancing this vision—but success will depend on broad public support and collaboration. Whether through advocacy, participation in planning, or simply by using and celebrating the trails we already have, community involvement will be key to turning the Bootlace Trails vision into reality.
View the presentation from each parish representative here: