#bikeyourcity

When able, I've been cycling to local destinations instead of jumping into my car. Here's a quick shot of the view while waiting for the green at Stanford and Perkins. Our roads desperately need major crosswalk maintenance and dedicated bike lanes.

#cycleyourcity #bikebatonrouge#wecandobetter #cloudreport #mybikestory

These boots were made for Festin'

Music, Food, Travel, Beer.

Repeat.

Jazz Fest's Second Sunday followed torrential rains from a storm on Saturday that closed Fest mid afternoon.  I knew that I'd need my boots in order to navigate the lands before and after work with Ms. Lena's Zulu Diamondcutters.  Instead of wishing that I had some fashion boots like many wear to the festival, I pulled out my good 'ol boots worn to the rainforest in 1995!!!  Crazy!  I've had them for 21 years.  

It stormed again in the morning, and rained, rained, rained all day long!  They did the job no matter the terrain or how deep the mud.  They were very dance and air-guitar friendly, too.  I was one happy girl.  Even rode my bike out back to the car with them on. :)))

Rain days are good days.

I love the rain and a reason to wear dem boots.

#jazzfest2016 #nolalove

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

2nd Annual Cubs Bike Rodeo

A reflector take away for all participants completing the educational bike tasks.

Today I attended the Second Annual Cubs Bike Rodeo held by LSU's University Lab School.  A good friend of mine, who's a dedicated supporter of cycling here in Baton Rouge, helped organize the event.  It's designed to educate children, as well as their families, about safe bike riding practices.  Children visited 10 different stations, run by volunteers, and completed different cycling related tasks.  They engaged in bike maintenance, helmet fitting, balancing skills, quick braking, correct hand signal use, reading road signs, responding to shout outs while in motion, keeping control while turning or with one hand.  Participants walked away with a great learning experience as well as a very cool bike reflector promoting the use of alternate forms of transportation to school.  Kudos to the organizers and the volunteers for teaching our kids and encouraging smart bike usage in our city!

 Mike Bitton helps adjust a helmet for just the right fit.
Last year Mike received the first Velo Lousiane 2013 Bicycle Ambassador Award
http://irenekatophotos.blogspot.com/2013/04/velo-louisiane-2013-bicycle-ambassador.html

 Volunteers worked 10 different stations designed to teach young cyclists safe bike riding skills.

Very attentive and caring while helping the kids.

 Myra Broussard (left), LSU's Lab School Principal, with a young cyclist and Jennie Kluse (right), Bike Rodeo organizer.

The awesome team of organizers and volunteers dedicated to teaching youth about safe cycling practices.

#BatonRouge, #bicycling, #LSU, #LabSchool, #safety, #MikeBitton, #transportation

Ridin' it home

Inspired by two friends racing the NYC Triathlon on Sunday morning, I woke up early and went out for a biking trek.  It was the first time I cycled for the purpose of exercise versus transport to work.  I decided to ride across the Ford Property and head towards the Pennington Research Center instead of towards the lake, and I really appreciated the route change.  Similar visual goodies with the added bonus of a couple low slope hills made it all work for me.  When entering the field, both going and returning, I stopped to soak it all in and smile at the thought of my many past walks with camera in hand.  I can now add myself to the many cyclists who frequent and value the passage.  Now to just get myself back out there and continue being inspired by my active friends.  :))

Ford Property entrance via Sweetbriar