BikeBR

The City-Parish Planning Commission (CPPC) developed the BikeBR Mapping Application to help citizens and visitors determine which areas of Baton Rouge are easily accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists. A "Bikeability" Index was created in an effort to measure how safe, easy, and desirable it is to walk or bike in the region.

Health & Fitness

Bicycling improves health through physical activity and helps prevent air pollution caused by motorized means of transportation. The Planning Commission is working to make Baton Rouge a safe environment for bicyclists and pedestrians. The FUTUREBR Bike and Pedestrian Plan (PDF) map displays the existing bike paths along with paths that are planned or are in development. The Baton Rouge Streets with Recommended Bicyclist Skill Level map (PDF) attempts to identify recommended bicyclist skill level for travel on each street.

Streets were rated by members of the bicycling community that have a high skill level. The street category was determined by several factors including: traffic speed, traffic volume, outside lane width and the existence of shoulders or bike lanes.

Walking is the most basic form of transportation, and everyone is considered a pedestrian. Transit or automobile trips begin and end with a walk. Often times, walking is the quickest way to accomplish short trips in urban areas, and it is an important form of transportation that should not be overlooked. As required by FUTUREBR, the Planning Commission analyzed the “walkability” of Baton Rouge neighborhoods. This information will assist planners in guiding future development, and provide short “20-minute walks” between residential and commercial areas.

Awards

In 2009, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Baton Rouge as a city that has made notable achievements and is committed to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies. In early 2013, the Planning Commission coordinated an effort with other City-Parish and State agencies and the local bicycle advocacy groups to submit an application to re-designate Baton Rouge as a Bike Friendly City (PDF). This goal was realized on May 13, 2013 when the League announced that our Bronze Designation had been extended until 2017.

As part of the Bicycle Friendly Community application, the League of American Bicyclists provided feedback on how to improve cycling in Baton Rouge. The Bicycle Friendly Community Feedback Report (PDF) is available for viewing and should be used as a guide to make as many improvements possible prior to renewing the designation in 2017. For more information about our Bronze Level designation, the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), and the Bike Friendly City Program, please visit the LAB website.