The New Orleans Complete Streets Coalition and the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce have partnered to raise awareness of the economic and health benefits of safe and accessible walking and biking for the Black community.
The Black Chamber believes that increased & improved mobility options promote healthy living and boost local residents’ ability to spend their dollars at neighborhood stores and restaurants.
NORBCC Bike Rack Initiative
As the City of New Orleans rapidly expands active transportation networks through its Moving New Orleans program, the Black Chamber and the Coalition are working to contribute to the momentum and maximize the benefit to local businesses. The Black Chamber has launched a new initiative with the New Orleans Complete Streets Coalition and Bike Easy to donate bike racks to 10 local Black-owned businesses across New Orleans!
More details on the racks are available from Bike Easy, and interested business owners are encouraged to reach out to NORBCC Executive Director, LaVerne Toombs, at laverne.toombs@norbchamber.org. Businesses who apply and are selected will receive a high-capacity, professional-grade bike rack free of charge, including installation costs, valued at more than $1500.
Health Is Wealth Webinar Series
The Regional Black Chamber’s and the Coalition’s partnership began with the “Health is Wealth” webinar last November when we heard from Black business leaders, City officials, and the partners in the New Orleans Complete Streets Coalition about how improving safety and accessibility for all people on the roadways is good for business and good for mental & physical health.
The New Orleans Complete Streets Coalition also conducted an in-depth briefing for Regional Black Chamber Members on the exciting upcoming roadway improvements and the Coalition’s campaign to engage the community in supporting and benefiting from the streets built to share.
As you see more low-stress bikeways built across New Orleans neighborhoods, make sure to get out there and ride to a Black-owned business near you!
