09-07-2025
Blue Bikes to expand New Orleans e-bike fleet
New Orleans' Blue Bike program will get a much-needed shot-in-the-arm with about 2,500 new e-bikes and an expanded footprint over the next five years, according to a new agreement with the city.
Why it matters: More than 10% of New Orleans households don't have access to cars, according to data from 2020. Meanwhile, the city's fleet of rentable bikes has been on a steep decline.
Catch up quick: City Council approved a five-year agreement June 26 with Blue Krewe, which operates the city's Blue Bike program.
With $11.4 million in federal grants, the Blue Krewe will grow its staff, purchase new bikes and electric vans and build new solar-powered charging stations, according to the agreement.
The big picture: The agreement is part of the city's Climate Action Plan, which calls for a more bike access and an electric vehicle-friendly city. Go deeper.
Zoom in: Blue Krewe plans to buy about 500 bikes per year for five years, the city documents say.
