N.O. to consider bike sharing program for commuting

New Orleans has been selected to receive technical assistance to explore the possibility of establishing a bike sharing program, Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s office and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday. Bike sharing programs are designed to provide free or affordable access to bicycles for short trips in an urban area as an alternative to motorized public transit or private vehicles. “As New Orleans looks to establish a Bikeshare program, the EPA’s technical assistance will help promote its growth and success in our city,” Deputy Mayor Cedric Grant says. “Bikeshare programs offer a convenient alternative to driving and encourage healthy and safe commuting. They can also reduce vehicular traffic and environmental hazards while promoting sustainability.” As part of the technical assistance to be provided, EPA staff and national experts will hold a local workshop to explore the potential of establishing such a program in the Crescent City. Specifically, it will provide an overview of bike sharing programs in North America, focusing on topics such as feasibility; system planning; operations; and health, safety, and social equity issues. The date of the workshop has not yet been announced. The EPA team then will develop a series of strategies and next-steps to help implement a bike sharing program in New Orleans. “If we want a healthier environment and a stronger economy, sustainable practices must be part of community development across the country,” EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson says. Click here to read more.