I lived in N.O. for about 10 years, but sadly, wasn't a bicyclist commuter then. Everything these guys say is pretty much how it is, the actual roads are rough, but things for cyclists are improving. If she's anywhere near the Quarter, downtown, or rough neighborhoods, she needs to be very careful about where to go, and when.

The good thing is there are ferries to get you across the river to the Westbank, and plenty of bike shops.