Louisiana Bicycle Laws and How to Stay Safe While Biking in New Orleans

New Orleans continues to become more bike-friendly, thanks to the addition of bike lanes, greenways, and protected paths. But even as infrastructure improves, the risks for cyclists remain, and enforcement of bicycle traffic laws by the New Orleans Police Department has increased in recent years. That makes understanding your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist or driver more important than ever.

At Crescent City Personal Injury, we’re committed to helping our neighbors navigate both the roads and the legal system safely. With years of experience advocating for injured cyclists, attorney John Radziewicz and our team have built a strong reputation for guiding clients through the aftermath of serious accidents and securing the compensation they deserve.

Whether you’re a cyclist, a driver, or someone who enjoys New Orleans by both bike and car, this guide will walk you through the key bicycle laws in Louisiana and how to stay safe on the streets of our city.

Louisiana law grants cyclists many of the same rights as drivers, but also imposes responsibilities on motorists to help keep everyone safe. Here’s what every driver should keep in mind:

Under the Colin Goodier Protection Act (La. R.S. 32:76.1), drivers must leave at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. That buffer must be maintained until you’ve safely passed. It’s not just courtesy, it’s the law.

According to La. R.S. 32:201(A), it is unlawful to harass, taunt, or throw objects at people riding bicycles. This statute protects cyclists from intentional intimidation and aggressive driving.

Blocking or driving in bike lanes can lead to a traffic ticket. La. R.S. 32:203 prohibits motor vehicles from operating in bike lanes except in limited situations such as:

• Preparing for a turn
• Emergency maneuvers
• Entering or exiting a driveway or parking area
  

Always yield to cyclists and only cross bike lanes where dotted lines or signage allow.

Before opening your door into the street, look behind you for oncoming bikes. Dooring accidents are all too common and often result in serious injuries.

Per La. R.S. 32:194, bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. That means cyclists are subject to traffic signals and stop signs, but it also means they’re entitled to full use of the lane when necessary.

New Orleans has made great strides in making cycling more accessible. Whether you’re commuting to work or just taking in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, these routes are popular for their accessibility and scenic views:

• Esplanade Avenue: Extends from the Mississippi River to City Park, popular with locals and tourists alike.
• Orleans Avenue: Connects Mid-City to the French Quarter.
• St. Charles Avenue: While bike lanes are limited, stretches between Nashville and South Carrollton offer designated lanes ideal for university commuters.
• Lafitte Greenway: A paved and well-lit route that runs from the French Quarter to Bayou St. John.
• Wisner & Marconi Boulevards: Scenic rides along the bayou and edge of City Park.
• Robert E. Lee Boulevard & Elysian Fields Avenue: Provide safer cycling options through Gentilly and Lakeview.
• Camp Street & Loyola Avenue: Offer improved bike lanes heading into downtown.
• Algiers Point Levee Trail: A paved riverside route with plans for continued expansion.

Even if you know the laws, safe riding takes active awareness. Here are a few practical tips to help you avoid accidents:

1. Ride on the right side of the road and in the direction of traffic, never against it.
2. Don’t ride on sidewalks, unless you’re under 15 years old.
3. Use lights and reflectors at night, white in the front, red in the rear.
4. Wear a helmet, it’s required for riders under 12, but recommended for all.
5. Use hand signals to alert other drivers before turning or stopping.
6. Yield to pedestrians and always keep an eye out for cars making sudden moves.
7. Make eye contact with drivers when crossing intersections to ensure they see you.

Getting into an accident is stressful, especially if you’re on a bike and facing a larger, faster vehicle. Here’s how to respond safely and protect your legal rights.

• Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor, emergency services can document the scene and help you get treatment.
• Take photos of everything including your bike, the car, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Collect contact information from the driver and any witnesses.
• Do not admit fault, even a casual apology can be used against you later.
• Reach out to a personal injury attorney to discuss your case before speaking with insurance adjusters.

• Report the incident and file a police report.
• Document damage to property and get contact details from all parties involved.
• If there’s potential liability on your part, such as if you were riding under the influence or violating traffic laws, consult a defense attorney before proceeding further.

Bike accidents can get legally complicated, especially when insurance companies try to downplay your injuries or blame you for the crash. That’s where we step in.

At Crescent City Personal Injury, our team has handled countless bicycle and vehicle injury cases across Louisiana. John Radziewicz and our team understand how to prove liability, calculate real damages, and fight back when insurers won’t play fair. We know the roads. We know the law. And most importantly, we know how to win.

We don’t get paid unless you do. You’ll never owe us legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a bicycle accident, car crash, or any type of roadway incident, don’t wait to protect your health, your rights, and your financial future. In the aftermath of an accident, every decision matters, especially the decision to seek legal representation. 

Insurance companies move quickly to protect their own interests, and without the right guidance, it’s easy to accept less than what you truly deserve. At Crescent City Personal Injury, we provide reliable, responsive, and results-driven representation that puts you first.

Contact us today at 504-608-0084 for an initial consultation.