A message from our Executive DirectorIts been a busy fall, and I wanted to take a moment to share a few updates on what weve been working on lately, whats coming up, and a little bit of personal news.First, a personal update: my health is improving, and Ive been able to get back on my bike a little more! Its been exciting to spend more time riding, and I really appreciate everyone who has reached out with kind words and support. Im looking forward to getting out there more and hopefully seeing some of you on the streets!Working Toward Safer E-Biking in New OrleansA big part of the past month has been spent in meetings with city agencies and local stakeholders, including the New Orleans Police Department, the New Orleans Health Department, and the Department of Public Works, discussing e-bike policies and how we can make riding safer for everyone.With the first round of the citys e-bike rebate program now underway, this work feels especially timely. The initial round is a soft launch with 100 vouchers, with the next round planned for after Mardi Gras. The longer-term vision is to distribute 500 vouchers per round, at least twice a year.Were excited to be part of these conversations and to help ensure that education, safety, and responsible riding are central to the program, especially as we work to address the serious injuries and fatalities involving people riding e-bikes.At our latest Policy & Design Committee meeting, we welcomed representatives from the Health Department to discuss the rebate program and its educational components. We also had a representative from Waymo join us to hear our committees ideas and concerns about autonomous vehicles. Were planning a similar conversation with Bike Easy members before the end of the year, so stay tuned for details!Getting Out Into the CommunityOne of my favorite things about this work is getting to learn from people across our city.On September 16, I joined the City Planning Commissions Connected Community Workshop and E-Bike Ride. We spent time riding through the city, meeting community leaders, and talking about ways to improve micromobility and transportation options in New Orleans. It was refreshing to join a ride that I wasnt leading and simply listen, learn, and get inspired to keep pushing this work forward.Ive also been spending plenty of time at City Council, particularly during the ongoing budget hearings. I attended the hearing where the mayor presented the budget and was encouraged by the thoughtful questions council members asked. Its clear that theyre digging into the details, and its important for residents to be part of those conversations, too.If theres an issue you care about, I encourage you to participate! Check the City Council website for upcoming meeting dates, submit public comments, or watch recordings of past hearings online. Your voice matters, and public participation helps keep our citys priorities accountable to the people who live here.Ive also been out in the community distributing bike lights. Were now up to 251 lights given away toward our goal of distributing 1,000 lights across New Orleans within 12 months! Big shout out to Entergy for the support to make this happen!Last weekend, Adam Davies (Board Member and Co-Chair of our Policy & Design Committee), family and friends joined ByMBOs Trash Bash to clean up a stretch of St. Claude Avenue near Elysian Fields. Afterward, I headed to Gentilly Fest to give away bike lights alongside NOPD. Well continue partnering with the department on more giveaways, and wed love to work with other community organizations, too. If your organization would like to host a bike light giveaway, just reply to this email!Sharing Ideas and Building ConnectionsIve had some wonderful opportunities lately to connect with people working toward a better transportation future for New Orleans.This week, I joined a panel at the Committee for a Better New Orleans Leadership Forum. As an alum of the program, it was great to be invited back to discuss transportation alongside Shirani from Ride and Steve Nelson from the Department of Public Works.I also participated in a feedback session with Tulane University masters students who are exploring the idea of creating a greenway network connecting our citys universities. Its exciting to see new ideas emerging about how we can make our city more connected, accessible, and enjoyable to navigate.And I recently recorded a podcast conversation with Ryne Hancock from The Ryne Show about the citys e-bike rebate program, e-bikes, and the broader transportation landscape. Check out the podcast here.Bike Easy Bicycle Second Line Is Getting Closer!Of course, a huge part of our time lately has been dedicated to planning this years Bicycle Second Line! Yesterday, we walked through the Broadside to prepare for both our upcoming E.T. screening and the Second Line, and were so excited about whats in store. Oh! and speaking of stores, remember to purchase your 2026 Bicycle Second Line by Thursday, October 22nd! We will have a limited amount of 40.00 shirts for sale at the event, so dont sleep on this Our silent auction launches on Wednesday, October 21, during our E.T. screening at the Broadside. Its a great opportunity to support Bike Easy while enjoying a fun evening with our community. And if you bike, you get in for just 1.00 (plus tax) We will have Bike Valet and our moon photo booth is coming back!There are lots of other ways to get involved in the weeks ahead, too. Be sure to check out the upcoming events and important dates below, and make plans to join us!Bike to the PollsWell be providinga free Bicycle Valet from 2-3pm for early voting as part of Bike To The Polls. Join the Critical Mass before hand for a great group ride or make your plans to meet us for our Bicycle Valet set up just across the streetfrom City Hall in the Holiday Inn parking lot (alongside the Clarinet Mural) Thanks to VOTE and the Power Coalition for organizing all the Parade to the Polls event and contracting our Valet service to make it even easier to bike and vote!Bike Maintenance, Safety & Beer at Care Forgot BrewCraft!Were excited to partner with Care Forgot BrewCraft for a Bike Maintenance & Safety Workshop on Saturday, October 24, from 46 PM at 1728 St. Charles Avenue! Bike Easys Community Programs Manager and skilled bike mechanic, David Meza, will cover the ABCs of bike maintenance, including fixing a flat, caring for your brakes and chain, and staying safe and visible on the road. Even better, Care Forgot is debuting its new Bike Easy Low Gear IPA, with a percentage of proceeds benefiting Bike Easy! No registration required:just show up, learn some bike skills, and raise a glass to safer riding.We have three new Learn-to-Ride Classes coming up. Two for youth on November 21st and January 23rd and an Adult Learn to Ride on December 19th. Pleaseshare with those interested in learning how to ride!Register for Youth Learn to Ride on November 21stRegister for Teen and Adult Learn to Ride on December 19thRegister for Youth Learn to Ride on January 23rdIf you are interested in Sponsoring our Learn to Ride classes, please contact lauren@bikeeasy.orgLets Keep Rolling TogetherIts been a full and energizing fall, and I dont expect things to slow down anytime soon. From policy conversations and community partnerships to bike light giveaways and preparations for our biggest annual event, theres a lot happening behind the scenes to make bicycling easy, safe, and fun for everyone in Greater New Orleans.Thank you for being part of this community and for helping make this work possible. Whether youre showing up to a public meeting, volunteering at an event, sharing your ideas, or simply choosing your bike for a trip around town, you are part of the movement.Support our work by donating todayAs always, feel free to reply to this email if youd like to connect over coffee, talk about biking or transportation in New Orleans, or share an idea. Id love to hear from you.I hope to see you at the Broadside soon, and maybe out on the streets, too!Keep rolling,Allene La SpinaExecutive Director