Mew Orleans is still Way too auto dependent, w/ grocery stores miles away, etc. That St. Claude Ave, bridge is a terrifying death trap for bikers and too many drunk or indisciplined drivers, far too many massive SUV's and monstrous 6 wheel pickup trucks all driven many miles over the speed limit.

HUH ?

One, pre-Katrina New Orleans was tied with New York City for the fewest VMT by residents. VERY different urban structure, comparable results.

Latest #s are 3% of New Orleanians bicycle to work.

I have 5 places to buy groceries within 7 blocks, my preferred is Zara's (2nd generation) but Walmart (7 blocks away) has more variety and longer hours.

The flooded areas lost many of their corner grocery stores (and chains too) and that has been one of the slowest parts of the recovery.

St. Claude Avenue was the first Louisiana State Highway to get bike lanes (later widened by 8"). It is a major semi-truck route but now a heavily traveled bicycle route as well (bicycle shop just opened on St. Claude). And has been shown many times elsewhere, heavier bike use = safer bike use. There is a sharrow on the outside lane of the St. Claude bridge now.

I would *MUCH* rather bicycle amongst Big Easy drivers than Big Apple drivers. We are *FAR* more considerate and mindful of others on the road.

Best Hopes for both urban solutions,

Alan