Blue Krewe Temporarily Expands Blue Bikes Service Area for Uptown Mardi Gras Parades
Expansion in effect through Feb. 17

NEW ORLEANS, La. – Blue Krewe, the non-profit operator of Blue Bikes, is thrilled to announce a temporary service-area expansion for the 2026 Uptown parade area. Through Mardi Gras day, Feb. 17, the Blue Bikes service zone will stretch beyond Louisiana Avenue down to Jefferson Avenue, bounded by Tchoupitoulas Street and LaSalle Street. Through Mardi Gras, riders in this area can lock bikes at any public bike rack or accessible pole without a $25 out-of-zone fee. 

Blue Krewe recently added 400 new bicycles to the Blue Bikes fleet. The additional bikes and temporary service area expansion give residents, visitors and tourists more convenient options for riding to and from parades during peak Mardi Gras events. 

“We knew riders needed a better way to get to and from Uptown parades without worrying about service area boundaries or fees. This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to all Blue Bikes users who ride with us every day!” said Kia Thomas, Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at Blue Krewe.

This expansion means parade-goers can hop on a Blue Bike downtown or in the Garden District, ride all the way up the parade route and lock up right where the action is. Blue Krewe encourages all riders to lock responsibly, keep sidewalks clear and ride safely.

Blue Krewe staff will be tabling along parade routes with promo codes, stickers and information about year-round membership options. Keep an eye out for the ones in blue!

The temporary expansion is possible thanks to close coordination with the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works and the enthusiastic support of our partners at Bike Easy and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.

How to Ride Blue Bikes:

• Download the Blue Bikes Nola app, available in the App Store and Google Play

• Create a rider account – monthly memberships and pay-as-you-go plans are available

• You’re ready to pedal to the parades!

To learn more about Blue Bikes pricing, locations and rider options, visit BlueBikesNola.com. Follow Blue Bikes on social media @BlueBikesNOLA for updates and information during Mardi Gras. 

About Blue Krewe

Founded in New Orleans in 2020, Blue Krewe is a local, community-based nonprofit that manages and operates the Blue Bikes program. Recognizing the importance of Blue Bikes as a healthy, equitable and environmentally friendly transportation option, local bikeshare enthusiasts--such former Blue Bikes staff, biking and pedestrian advocates, philanthropists and community healthcare advocates--came together to form Blue Krewe. Blue Krewe is committed to its mission to provide the Greater New Orleans region with equitable, shared micromobility solutions that are rooted in and supportive of our community.
 
The Greater New Orleans Foundation provided critical start-up funding and fiscal sponsorship for Blue Krewe. Blue Krewe's partners include Bike Easy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans. To donate, volunteer or learn more, visit www.BlueKrewe.org.