Bike Baton Rouge's Bike Friendly Awards

It feels promising to sit here and post, once again, a cycling related set.  Baton Rouge is moving forward is committing to city improvements which promote cycling, and on Wednesday night Bike Baton Rouge (BBR) held their 2nd annual awards event recognizing those making a difference.  Their Bike Friendly Awards was held at the Downtown Capitol Welcome Center, which is a great space on River Road.  I was invited by my friend and BBR Secretary, Kelli Gilbert, and was more than interested and appreciative to attend.

Familiar faces from the Baton Rouge cycling scene were there, as well as others from Lafayette and New Orleans.  Mayor Kip Holden, not in attendance, had been awarded on Sunday for being supportive.  Details and updates were shared about the city-wide bike lane installation plans.  I was impressed that this is no longer just a vision, but things are really happening.  Yes, it was agreed, that there is a lot of more work to be done, but it's reassuring to know that legislation and community action make an impact.

Learn more about what's happening with cycling in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette by visiting these organizations.  I've also listed other key players in building a cycling culture.

Bike Baton Rouge
Bike Easy, New Orleans
Bike Lafayette
Center for Planning Excellence
Chelsea's Cafe

Jude!

I captured this moment as a 'Royal Photographer' during the Krewe of Southdowns Mardi Gras Parade.  It was taken during the "King's Pee", when the parade stops rolling and the dignitaries take care of themselves properly.  During the 15 minute break, I had enough time to run into a friend's house on the same street for a quick drink and bathroom visit myself, and on the way back to the floats, I truly stumbled over this beautiful moment and young man in the middle of the road.  It was nothing even close to quiet as parade marchers socialized and danced in the street.  The scene was fantastic, and I took just two shots as he rested and his friends started cheering him on as I photographed from the ground.  I'm happy to have gotten his name and shared my contact info with him.  He emailed me as promised, and I'll be sending this image his way.  Enjoy, Jude!!  I really appreciate that we crossed paths.  :))


#MardiGras, #bike, #Southdowns, #parade

Velo Louisiane 2013 Bicycle Ambassador Award

Despite Velo Louisiane scheduled downtown events being cancelled due to bad weather early in the day, a group of Bike Baton Rouge members and cyclists met at a Kelli Gilbert's home, Velo LA planning committee member. They honored Mike Bitton with the first ever Bicycle Ambassador Award for his commitment and invaluable efforts given to the Baton Rouge cycling community. It was a great gathering in his recognition and in support of cyclists on our roads. Learn more about efforts building a strong bicycling culture at http://www.bikebr.org/. Thank you!

 Mark Martin, of Bike Baton Rouge, presents Mike Bitton with the Bicycle Ambassador Award.  This is the first time this honor has been given by the local Baton Rouge bicycle advocacy group.

The efforts of Kelli Gilbert, committee member of Velo Lousiane, were recognized by Mike Bitton.  After scheduled events to be held downtown were cancelled due to rain, she held the Velo Louisiane gathering at her home.  She's been proactive in planning and supporting bicycling awareness and actions.

Little cycling feet, big thanks to Velo Louisiane!