TOURISM

Coastal Bike Impact believes that the Crystal Coast has tremendous potential to become a bicycle tourism destination for cyclists of all abilities and to reap the economic benefits of establishing itself as such. CBI advocates for the local realization of these benefits.

In the United States, bicycle tourism is a huge industry. The Outdoor Industry Association found in its last study, The Outdoor Recreation Economy, that 48 million people bicycle recreationally in the U.S. and that bicycle tourism contributes $83 billion annually to the economy. Nationally, recreational bicycling supports 848,000 jobs, generates $97 billion in retail sales, and produces $6.3 billion in state and local taxes.

Realization of the benefits of attracting this segment of the tourist market will require an investment in bicycle facilities that will then provide a significant return to the community. Multiple studies establish that a well-planned bicycle transportation system pays dividends through job creation, tourist spending, taxes collected, health benefits, and property value increases. In fact, a study of the economic benefits of the bicycle facilities constructed on the northern Outer Banks shows an annual return of 9 times the initial investment to build the system. The following economic impact studies of bicycle tourism in North Carolina have been completed and support this thesis:

Pathways to Prosperity: The Economic Impact of Investment in Bicycle Facilities

Evaluating the Economic Impact of Shared Use Paths in North Carolina

Economic Impact of Mountain Biking in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests

In Carteret County and its surrounding area, multi-use paths, adequate roadways, and safe bridges that are appropriate for bicycle travel exist, but these components are not connected or part of an area wide bicycle transportation network. Planning for this network, however, has taken and is taking place at NCDOT. The Croatan Regional Bicycle + Trails Plan and the Great Trails State Plan provide blueprints for targeted investment in bicycle infrastructure that can provide the economic benefits described above.

In addition to bicycle facilities, cycling events are also a way of attracting bicycle tourists to the area. Carteret County is fortunate to already have two such events both of which take place in the spring shoulder season when temperatures are more moderate and more room for tourism is available.

The Croatan Buck Fifty is a 50/100/150 mile gravel bicycle race through the Croatan National Forest held each March. In 2020, the Buck Fifty attracted over 800 riders to the area including professional level athletes and well known amateurs.

Emerald Isle puts on its annual Bike the Banks event in May of each year. It attracts riders of all ability levels and consists of three distances – 10 miles along Emerald Isle’s multi-use path, 50 miles to and from Fort Macon along Hwy. 58 on Bogue Banks, and 100 miles to Harker’s island. In 2019, Bike the Banks registered 100 riders. The race was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The opportunity to further promote these existing events can help establish the Crystal Coast as a cycling destination while also helping to fill beds and restaurant tables at a slower part of the tourist season.

In addition to advocacy, CBI promotes bicycle tourism through mapping and archiving suggested, downloadable routes based on its extensive local knowledge of the area. Working with the Carteret County Department of Parks and Recreation, CBI has also developed a map of bicycle routes intended to be distributed to visitors to the Crystal Coast.

SAFETY

Like many things, safety while bicycling requires knowing the rules and using good judgement when considering how to act in the different situations that a cyclist might encounter. In North Carolina, the main rule to be mindful of is that a bicycle is treated as a vehicle much the same as cars and trucks. A cyclist has to stop, turn, yield, and perform other maneuvers similar to how motorists drive. Ride on the right of the road with the flow of traffic. A bicyclist must ride as “close as practicable” to the right side of the road. There are times when debris, wind, parked cars, the speed of passing cars, and other factors will influence how close to the right edge to be. Be aware of the door zone when passing parked cars and keep an eye out for drivers who might be exiting their vehicle. In North Carolina, a cyclist has the right to use the full lane if needed and cannot be charged with impeding traffic.

Make your intentions as clear as possible to motorists. Use hand signals when turning left, right, changing lanes, and slowing down. This will alert motorists to your next move and help to keep you safe. Be visible. Wear highly visible clothing. Colorful socks move as you pedal and attract the eye of a driver. Use lights even in the daytime. A white front light and red rear light are required at night. When not turning or changing lanes ride in a predictable, straight line. Do not swerve in your lane. Be extra cautious at intersections and when turning. Signal your intention and move to the left of the lane or to the left turn lane if there are multiple lanes if turning left. Signal your intention and turn right from the right of the lane or the right turn lane if there are multiple lanes. If proceeding straight through intersection when there are multiple lanes use the lane intended for that purpose. Always look to be sure you are clear of traffic.

When group riding, ride no more that two abreast. Cyclists are not required to ride single file to allow cars to pass but should use their best judgment to be courteous and not unnecessarily aggravate motorists. Do not ride impaired. It is illegal in North Carolina. Always wear a helmet. Helmets protect not only against brain injury, but also disfiguring facial injuries. Helmets are required to be worn by riders who are 16 years old or younger.

References:

Ride Guide by Ann Groninger

NC Traffic Laws for Bicyclists by BikeWalkNC

NCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Laws