It’s Bike Month! CPEX has been instrumental in the adoption of Complete Streets Policies in Baton Rouge and across Louisiana. Why is this important? Simply put, a “Complete Street” is a street that is for everyone. Complete streets have safe facilities for all users, whether they’re on foot, traveling by bike, using an assistive device, or driving a car. And to engage residents in experiencing complete – or incomplete – streets, CPEX developed the 20-Minute Neighborhood Bingo to promote bike and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. A 20-minute neighborhood is a place where residents can reach the things they need on a daily basis via a walk or bike ride that is twenty minutes or less. The Neighborhood Bingo challenges people to explore the connections in their neighborhood and see what they can reach within 20 minutes of their home on foot or by bike. Complete Streets are a core component of 20-minute neighborhoods because they provide the sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and other infrastructure needed to navigate streets safely. We encourage you to participate by printing out the bingo card, getting on your bike or taking a stroll, and telling us what you find by emailing bingo@cpex.org or sharing on social media using #within20!
CPEXers Simbrey Majors and Amelia Gabor testing out two of the bikes that CPEX recently purchased from Front Yard Bikes thanks to a grant from Well-Ahead Louisiana that is helping CPEX to use and model active transportation in our downtown community.
In honor of National Bike Month, CPEX connected with Lynley Farris from Bike Baton Rouge to discuss the great work they are doing in our community and the importance of promoting bicycle and pedestrian access. Lynley was named President of Bike Baton Rouge in November 2021 -- the first woman to hold the position -- and she also contributes to our award-winning parks and greenways system as the publicity and marketing manager for BREC.
Read on to learn more about the work of Bike Baton Rouge.
Interview with Lynley Farris from Bike Baton Rouge
CPEX: Tell us a little bit about Bike Baton Rouge.
LF: Bike Baton Rouge is the capital city’s 100% volunteer run bike advocacy non-profit. If there is a butt on bike, we want to be the voice for that individual. No matter the age, no matter the bike, no matter the reason for riding. We are here to advocate, educate, and connect you to having a good ride.
CPEX: What sparked your passion for this cause?
LF: I have been an avid biker since I was a kid, family rides turned into mountain biking, that turned into commuting and long distance riding. Living in other cities I had always thought I found bike infrastructure and culture to be lacking, until I moved to BR and discovered how progressive those other cities were. Being here took my passion from health and fun to being an advocate for a much needed culture change.
CPEX: Why is it important to defend and promote bicycle and pedestrian access throughout the city?
LF: For so many reasons, 1. No matter a person’s form of transportation they should be respected for using that mode of travel. And if you look at our accident fatality rate in Baton Rouge/Louisiana it demonstrates that not even cars are respecting other cars on the road. This factor is making travel even more dangerous for those who choose alternative forms of transport. 2. Baton Rouge is famous for traffic congestion, the only way to solve congestion is to reduce the amount of cars on the road. Easiest way to do that is to promote walking and biking to destinations. 3. The percentage of bicycle commuters in this city who CHOOSE to ride is low, but those who bikes are their only option is high, it’s a factor that often gets overlooked in BR. All these factors play into creating a sustainable community for future generations. If we don’t adapt and start thinking of alternatives when it comes to transportation and supporting the equity of those within, that can seriously effect the longevity of Baton Rouge as a city.
CPEX: What's the most awesome thing that's ever happened to you while on a bike?
LF: I’d say to this day my favorite thing that happens when I’m on a ride, is if I get lost. There is no better way to find out where you are, than to get a bit lost.
CPEX: How can others get involved with Bike Baton Rouge?
Come ride with us! We have a monthly social ride every 2nd Friday 6:30pm. We travel around the city to various restaurants, pubs, and watering holes, to ride leisurely routes specific for those neighborhoods. You can find out more about our rides at https://www.bikebr.org/yeahbike.