Bike Lafayette
Bike Lafayette
We are a cycling advocacy organization focusing on education, safety, infrastructure and community in Acadiana.
What We Do
BikeLafayette is a is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Mission:
BikeLafayette is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization representing the needs of residents of Lafayette, Louisiana, and the surrounding area. It is made up of representatives from diverse backgrounds and professions with the purpose of creating a healthier community and environment. They collaborate with the City and Parish of Lafayette, priority stakeholders, government and elected officials, law enforcement, and interested parties to represent citizen involvement and form and improve policy and infrastructure that supports safe and increased bicycling.
Education
BikeLafayette focuses on education to create safe motorists and cyclists, working with schools, adult driver education, and law enforcement. This work results in protecting people who bike and walk while also promoting cycling as a fun, safe and accessible way to commute in and around Lafayette.
Community
Community building includes hosting bicycling events that provide awareness and safety while also encouraging more people to engage in the community. This collaboration speaks to the vested interest that local organizations, businesses, and community members have in making Lafayette a more bike-friendly and bike-accessible community.
Subscribe to get Bike Lafayette's newsletters and info on bike rides in the area.
Like what we do? Make a donation today to support Bike Lafayette's programs and advocacy work.
Join us on a ride! Visit the Bike Lafayette Facebook Page for the most up-to-date calendar of different rides hosted by Bike Lafayette.
Light up the streets of Lafayette on this casual group ride. Join the Lafayette Gleaux Riders facebook group to learn about upcoming rides.
This is a male-free (sorry, fellas!) casual, no-drop ride hosted by Bike Lafayette! We keep it around 10 miles and/or about one hour, and everyone is encouraged to grab a bite to eat afterwards!
Our Bike Kitchen program offers transportation to those in need while diverting waste from landfills.
What is the Bike Kitchen?
Our Bike Kitchen will be a place for people to repair bikes, learn about safe cycling, and build community.
Bike Lafayette's Bike Kitchen aims to serve our community and the environment by re-purposing bikes that are due for waste piles.
Contacting the Bike Kitchen
If you are interested in donating or requesting a bicycle with our Bike Kitchen you may reach out to:
Andre Angelle
Phone: (831)-818-2856
Email: andre.angelle@gmail.com
Following the rules of the road help to ensure you will stay safe while on your bike. Here are a few tips and videos to help you learn what your rights are as a cyclist.
Hand Signals
Communicating your intentions not only makes your ride safer, but it is also required by law in the United States.
Left Turn: Fully extend your left arm out to the side
Right Turn: Fully extend your right arm out to the side or bend your left arm up at a right angle with your hand flat.
Slowing or Stopping: Extend your left arm out at a right angle with your hand open
Traffic Laws
In all 50 states, people on bikes are required to follow the same laws as other drivers. *This content is courtesy of League of American Cyclists.
Here are a few key principles that underpin all US traffic laws:
First Come, First Served
Everyone on the road is entitled to the lane width they need. This includes the space behind, to each side and the space in front. If you want to use someone else’s space you must yield to whoever is using it. In Lafayette, it is important to make eye contact with motorists around you, so they know you're there and you know they're there.
Ride on the Right
In the United States, everyone must drive on the right-hand side of the roadway.
Yielding to Crossing Traffic
When you come to an intersection, if you don’t have the right of way, you must yield. Pay special attention to motorists who are turning, if you are going straight through an intersection.
Yielding when Changing Lanes
If you want to change lanes, you must yield to traffic that is in your new lane of travel.
Speed Positioning
The slowest vehicles on the road should be the furthest to the right. Where you position yourself on the road depends on the location of any parked cars, your speed, and your destination. Always pass on the left.
Lane Positioning
Bikes can share the same lane with other drivers. If a lane is wide enough to share with another vehicle (about 14 feet), ride three feet to the right of traffic. If the lane is not wide enough to share, “take the lane” by riding in the middle.
Intersection positioning
When there is a lane that is used for more than one direction, use the rightmost lane going in the direction you are traveling.
Follow all street signs, signals, and markings.
SAFETY TIPS For Motorists:
10 Ways Motorists Can Share the Road with Bicyclists
There you have it. Some ideas on HOW to share the road.
LAFAYETTE Cycling Community
From bike shops and group rides to other local advocacy groups, we've got a list of resources for you to connect with the cycling community in the area.
Group Rides:
Group rides range from beginner, casual cyclists to fast-paced, long-distance rides.
Advocacy Groups
Mountain Bike Lafayette - BikeLafayette's Sister Organization
Bike Baton Rouge - Baton Rouge Bike Advocacy Group
Bike Easy - New Orleans Bike Advocacy Group
Coffee House Cruisers – Alexandria Bike Advocacy Group
Pedestrians and Cyclists of Calcasieu - Lake Charles Bike Advocacy Group
League of American Bicyclists – National Bicycle Advocacy
Bikes Belong – National Bicycle Advocacy
Lafayette Metropolitan Planing Organization 2035 Bikeway Plan
Louisiana Department of Transportation Bike & Pedestrian Safety Program
Local Bike Shops
4617 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 406-2453
501 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 235-2453
4498 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 981-4449
© 2021