I will do my best to keep this map updated as road conditions change, bicycle specific markings are applied, or bike paths are constructed. This map, althought tedious and time consuming to build from scratch is SUPER EASY to alter as changes occur. Shoot me an Email with any major changes you may notice before I do. If you find the map useful and feel generous, there is a PayPal button in the left column for even the smallest contribution to my motivation to continue building and updating tiny little red and green lines.
- Cheers!

Mapping Suburbia presents a unique set of challenges as compared to mapping the city. Therefore, I chose to map out Northern Jefferson Parish for cycling using Google Maps for several reasons:

1. Circuitous routes: Too many street names are involved in getting a cyclist across Jefferson. I would recommend, if you do not have a fancy portable device with Internet access, is to zoom in on any sections of my map and print out the pieces you need. Some intersection problems that I have solved will require you zoom all the way for best detail.

2. Verbal Descriptions: There are so many little nuances to getting around poorly planned neighborhood streets that you will be greatly helped along by reading the notes for each highlighted route line and each route marker. I can not fit all of the information on a paper map.

3. Does anyone even care? I know there is a good demand for a printable New Orleans map. Jefferson....not so sure. If I get any sort of feedback i.e., BEGGING - perhaps I would be willing to put together something similar to my NOLA .pdf map.

4. Easy to update: Google Maps are a snap to update as road conditions change. Five minutes in front of my PC and it is done.

I suggest you go out and buy a good foldable paper map of the Greater New Orleans Area by Rand McNally or other reputable map maker, and with a dark pencil, mark my routes on that map. Just the ones you need. Do not use highlighter pens as the colors fade rapidly under sunlight outdoors. A nice black fine-point ink pen is the best. Lake Pontchartrain makes a great empty space for writing notes.

Finally, the lines on this map do not represent sanctioned bike routes or lanes of any sort. My routes are mostly on neighborhood streets and roads. I try to keep you away from major intersections and highways. I bike all of these roads. The routes work for me. I hope you find them useful, but I make no claims regarding the safety of any of the routes.

My Google Map collection of bike routes

The Belle Chasse 2-Ferry Ride is a nice weekend ride to the country for training or pleasure. Your choice of 20 or 40 miles. Two ferry rides across the Mississippi River breaks up the effort and affords riders a couple of nice rest breaks while the boats do all the work.

There are a few sketchy train track crossings along the way. I have marked them on the map with waypoint symbols. Many experienced riders have hit the pavement because of these tracks, so be very cautious to cross them properly.

View Belle Chasse 2-Ferry Ride in a larger map

Algiers Ferry to Jean Lafitte National Park
The destination is as fun as the ride!

This ride, as with most routes near working waterways in the area, is best done on the weekends. But I have had fun on weekday rides so long as I avoid the typical 9 and 5 rush hours. I like to get an early start and actually beat the rush hour past Gretna, then take my time to Jean Lafitte National Park. I always take a couple of hours in the park to hike, bird-watch, or just enjoy this sanctuary for palmetto palms and southern deciduous trees. The boardwalk trails keep your shoes clean regardless of conditions, while the dirt trails assure you some quiet and solitude away from casual visitors and their ever-howling children.

View Algiers Ferry to Jean Lafitte National Park in a larger map

Ride Around Lake Pontchartrain and Other Routes to the North.

This map not only illustrates how to bicycle around the lake, but also a few routes just to get you out of town for a weekend bike tour or month-long expedition. The main blue line circumnavigates the lake on the most bike friendly roads as they exist. I have cycled all of these routes a hundred times and had little trouble. However, most of these roads boast very little provisions for cyclists. Once in rural Louisiana motorists view cyclists as an anomaly and the unexpected. Many of the roads are too narrow for a bicycle and a car to fit in the lane together. You will probably get passed closely by motor vehicles on these routes. The new 3-foot passing law won't help you much. See Video

View Around The Lake Bike Ride in a larger map

New Orleans to Baton Rouge - Two Choices

This is a route I started cycling back in 1979 before Interstate 10 was complete and Highway 61 had few shoulders and narrow bridges. Compared to those days, this route is a breeze. If you dream of spotted cows belly deep in yellow wildflowers on lonely back roads, this is NOT THE ROUTE FOR YOU!

But for those cyclists not so picky, get ready for the long, straight road. Try to start early morning, especially during hot months. REAL early. And try to pick a day with winds out of the southeast or east.


View New Orleans to Baton Rouge Bicycle Map in a larger map