Effect of Bike Lane Infrastructure Improvements on Ridership in One New Orleans Neighborhood
New Orleans Study Shows Bike Lanes Dramatically Boost Local Cycling
Summary
A 2013 study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine examined the impact of new bike lane infrastructure in a New Orleans neighborhood, finding significant increases in cycling ridership following the upgrades. Researchers from Tulane University’s Prevention Research Center observed a marked rise in bike usage, attributing it directly to safer, dedicated bike lanes that encouraged more residents to cycle for transportation. This evidence underscores how targeted infrastructure investments can shift urban mobility patterns toward sustainable options.
Background
New Orleans has long prioritized cycling infrastructure as part of its post-Hurricane Katrina recovery and sustainable transportation goals. In this neighborhood-specific study, led by Kathryn M. Parker and colleagues, improvements such as buffered bike lanes were implemented to enhance cyclist safety amid heavy traffic. Pre- and post-installation data collection revealed a substantial uptick in ridership, highlighting the role of protected lanes in overcoming barriers like perceived danger. This aligns with global trends where cities invest in bike networks to reduce car dependency, lower emissions, and promote public health—echoing similar findings in recent research on bike share systems.
Future Outlook
The New Orleans findings offer a blueprint for policymakers worldwide, suggesting that even modest infrastructure tweaks can yield outsized ridership gains, potentially accelerating the shift to active transportation. As cities face climate pressures, scaling such projects could integrate with broader initiatives like e-bike integration and connected networks. Future studies might explore long-term effects, equity in access, and combinations with public transit for holistic sustainable mobility.