For the past few years my husband has tried to get me to ride bikes in New Orleans with him and I have resisted, due to a fear of local drivers, potholed streets and the lasting image of a black-’n'-blued friend who was knocked out when a car door opened as he was riding in the CBD.

My argument has always been that there is nowhere to bike besides the levee, The Tammany Trace and the Lakefront — and without a car bike rack, it was totally impractical. I would finish my argument with suggesting a nice walk, secretly envious of those brave souls who would bike from Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest, never feeling the stress of finding a parking place.

Then I got on a bike for the first time in 10 years in Sandestin, Fla., and had a really great time. I told him I would ride bikes with him, but only in cities that were bicycle friendly. I began searching on travel sites for beginner bike adventures and my search led to our own neighborhood: this month’s Budget Travel writer, Zora O’Neill, features New Orleans as a great city to see by bike. Check out this article for a great way to reflect and enjoy our city as the weather cools down.