Sports

Whether it's on the beach at low tide, in the residential back streets of Bogue Banks, along historic waterfronts or on several of the towns' bike paths — there is an abundance of choices when it comes to having some two-wheel fun. Although bikers in the area would agree that bike lanes would be a welcome addition to the roadways, that is not yet the case. Salter Path Road (N.C. Highway 58) is a widely traveled route by cyclists. You'll find that it runs most of the length of Bogue Banks, known here as "the island," which allows travel from Emerald Isle to Fort Macon — and everything in between. The town of Emerald Isle has a bike path that wanders off the main route in town to include green grassy areas and shady wooded sections, as well as parts of the downtown district. Look for additional miles of biking and running paths in the coming years.

Morehead City provides a multi-use trail that accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists, providing a safe alternative from the high-traffic area of Bridges Street. It runs along Bridges Street, between Country Club Road and North 35th Street and offers both a practical and recreational connection between West Carteret High School and the businesses located in that area. For a look at beautiful Beaufort, try the Beaufort Bicycle Route, a cruising loop around town that includes the waterfront and parts of the historic district. Pick up your route map at the Safrit Visitors Center at the Beaufort Historic Site on Turner Street.

The Swansboro Bicentennial Bicycle Trail offers miles of good biking that begins in historic Swansboro and follows roadways throughout the area. The loop path crosses the White Oak River to Cape Carteret, winds through the Croatan National Forest, crosses the river again and returns to Swansboro.

North Carolina's Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation offers a color map showing bicycle enthusiasts where to cycle on the Outer Banks, in addition to other useful information and resources. Three loop and two linear bicycle routes are highlighted and include portions of the mainland as well as the barrier islands. Contact the Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation, N.C. Department of Transportation, 1552 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699, (919) 807-0768.