Riding Bicycles in Baton Rouge

In many cities across the nation cycling is a form of exercise, recreation and transportation. This is made possible by large cycling communities in the respective communities and accomodations for cyclists.
Accomodations can come in many forms: bicycle racks, acceptance of bicycles (e.g. in some cities in the US, bringing a bicycle into a coffee shop or a bank is acceptable), showers, and bicycle paths.

Terminology
Bike lane: bike lanes are defined by a painted stripe on the roadway with bicycle markings, usually a stencil and/or the word "BICYCLE LANE"
Bike path: bike paths are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic.
Shoulder: A shoulder is designated by a painted stripe on the roadway but has no bicycle markings.
(Extra)wide lane: A normal street where a car can pass a cyclist within safe distance without using the other lane.

2. "Is it necessary to learn how to ride a bicycle in traffic? I just want to ride for fun."
It is advisable to learn even if you will not ride in traffic. This is because you will still be interacting with cyclists, dogs, walkers, strollers, roller-bladers, etc.

3. "I dont want to research bicycle safety. Where can I get a general idea of how to correctly ride a bicycle and how to avoid getting hit by cars?"
BicycleSafe.com

4 "Why doesn't Baton Rouge have bicycle lanes? This shows that we are behind and we do not accept bicycling"
Most of the time informed citizens must take the initiative in supporting bike facilities. This is due to the fact that people on governing councils usually unaware of the details of safe cycling. There are a few examples of bicycle facilities built around town that were poorly constructed due to lack of cycling knowledge.
What must also be taken into consideration is that bicycles lanes and paths are not perfect and present new hazards to cycling.

CBC MarketPlace - This is a link to the Canadian Broadcast Corporation's video (RealVideo, Quicktime) news segment on the dangers faced by cyclists on bicycle lanes and paths.

5. "Bicycle Lanes make riding a bicycle safe, right? I would ride a bicycle if there were bike lanes. When I lived in __________ you could ride a bike..."
Many people believe bicycle lanes create bicycling and if there are no bicycle lanes then cyclists will be run over. If one looks at any city or has experience riding in traffic, they will realize that having cars pass a cyclist is extremely safe. They will also learn that the most dangerous situation on the road is at intersections; where bicycle lanes do not extend. This is where most cyclists and motorcyclists are seriously injured. Therefore building bicycles paths isn't the sole answer; building them where appropriate with safety issues in mind is absolutely crucial or more harm than good might be done.

The following two articles give cyclists' views of bike lanes:
Lousy Lanes in London - When reading this article replace the word "right" with "left" and vice versa
The Politics of Two Wheels - Fred Oswald's explanation of the view of bicycling issues in America

6. "Is riding a bicycle in Baton Rouge safe? I mean, the way people drive in Baton Rouge is so dangerous."
Virtually all inexperienced (in traffic) cyclists believe that they are at risk from being hit from behind (i.e. run over) by crazy motorists. This type collision is the most feared and ironically one of the rarest of all car bicycle collisions.
When this collision does occur, something abnormal usually happened (e.g. a cyclist riding after dark without lights, an alcohol-impaired motorist, etc).
The most dangerous offenses are committed by people who have lapses in judgement(e.g. pulling out in front of a cyclist and displaying a general refusal to yield) and by cyclists themselves; not necessarily by a particular driving style.

7. "Where are some nice roads to ride on? I am only a beginner."
There is a bicycle map in publication which shows low traffic streets and other recommended places to ride for beginners.

Bicycle Questions
1. "What kind of bicycle do I need? How do I start commuting"
An excellent starting point is Paul Dorn's bicycle commuting webpage. His website is a good inroduction to cycling
Paul Dorn's Commuting Tips

Also look into joining other cyclists for commuting. In Baton Rouge, there is not a "cycle-buddy/partner" program at present. Maybe you can help us formulate such a program!