February 19, 2020 | From City of New Orleans
MAYOR CANTRELL ENCOURAGES SAFE TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES DURING PARADES
NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell is encouraging residents and visitors to exercise caution on the roads and consider all safe and alternative transportation options during the Carnival season — especially during parades when streets can become increasingly congested by vehicular and foot traffic.
"More than ever we need to be mindful of how parade routes impact the ability to navigate the City's traffic patterns — particularly during what we sometimes call 'Endymion Saturday,'" said Mayor Cantrell. "That's why we are emphasizing that everyone consider all their options and not just simply hop into a car to get to where they're going. We have improved options for people to walk, ride transit or bike to and from parades and want our people to use them."
Mayor Cantrell pointed to the "Purple Way" initiative that has resulted in a more effective safety strategy during Carnival season. Here are some of the highlights:
Parade Crossing Locations
New this year, the NOPD will offer "safe crossing" locations to allow pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency vehicles to cross the parade route — as long as it is safe to do so — before and immediately after parades. Parade goers are reminded to always follow the instructions of emergency personnel on the route. On the Uptown route, the safe crossing will be located at Poydras Street. On the Endymion route, the safe crossing will be located at Galvez Street. The Lafitte Greenway Grounds Patrol will be patrolling the Greenway on Endymion Saturday to keep the route clear of obstructions. The public is reminded that parking on trails, including the Lafitte Greenway and Jefferson Davis Trail, is illegal and violators are subject to ticketing and towing.
Additional Law Enforcement Resources
The City of New Orleans secured a commitment from the Krewe of Endymion to fund additional law enforcement officers from neighboring jurisdictions to support NOPD on Saturday. These officers will assist in early traffic control in the vicinity of the Mid-City route, prevent illegal parking that creates hazardous conditions and can obstruct emergency vehicles, and address any pre-parade incidents along the route.
Transit Service
The Regional Transit Authority has modified service during Mardi Gras to accommodate for street closures due to parade routes. Those schedules, including ferry information, are available online (click here) and you can pick up paper copies on the first floor of City Hall. During Endymion and Zulu, RTA’s Duncan Plaza transfer point will be unavailable. Routes will be detoured as close to Duncan Plaza as possible, on Canal Street, North Rampart Street, and Tulane Avenue.
SAFETY TIPS FOR WALKING, BIKING AND DRIVING
On Foot
- If you live or are staying near the route, walking might be the easiest way to get around!
- Cross the street at intersections and crosswalks, this makes you more visible.
- All intersections are crosswalks, even if they are not marked.
- Use caution before entering the crosswalk, don't begin crossing if a car is too close to safely stop.
- Yield to vehicles if crossing at a location other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
- Follow traffic signals
- Pedestrian Safety (Watch here)
By Bike
- Take your own bike or use a Blue Bike from the city's bike share program to get to the parade.
- You can also bus and ride, since all standard RTA buses are equipped with bike racks.
- Plan your route, use the New Orleans Bike Map as a guide: English, Spanish, Vietnamese:
- Ride in the direction of traffic
- Follow all traffic signals and signage
- Use lights at night, white in the front, red in the back
- Don't ride on the sidewalk
- Wear a helmet
- Don't wear beads while riding
- Don't lock your bike to parade barricades, private property or block the sidewalk.
- Safe Bicycle Riding in New Orleans. (Watch video here)
If driving, remember to keep yourself and others safe:
- Slow down; the streets are crowded with fellow parade goers.
- Don't drive distracted, put down your phone, food, etc., and focus on the road.
- Don't drink and drive, have a designated driver or use an alternative means of transport.
- Stop for people in crosswalks, both marked and unmarked.
- Crosswalks exist at all intersections, even if they are not marked.
- Keep the crosswalk clear, don't block a crosswalk when you stop for a red light or stop sign.
- Don't pass other cars stopped at a crosswalk.
- Keep bike lanes clear, don't drive or park in bike lanes.
- When passing a person bicycling, use care and provide at least 3 feet of space.
- Check for approaching bicycle riders before opening your door.
- Video: "Sharing the Road with People Bicycling" (Watch here)
- Video: "Being a Motorist Around Pedestrians" (Watch here)
It is important to stay connected to the City’s messaging portals during Mardi Gras. To do so, people can sign up for Mardi Gras text messages by sending MARDIGRAS to 888777. On social media, people can follow NOLA Ready and City of New Orleans.
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