Sports and Recreation

A great way to tour much of North Carolina's southern coastal plain is by bicycle. Even with increasing traffic in the cities, country roads tend to be lightly traveled and flat. Although formal "bike paths" do not exist in the area, there is a system of well-marked "Share The Road" bike routes, some of which have paved bike lanes on both sides of the road that make trekking fairly easy (see the chapter on Getting Here, Getting Around for information about Bike Routes).

In Wilmington, bike registration is encouraged for your protection as it may help you recover your wheels in the event of theft. Most bikes recovered by the police are never claimed and are auctioned off at year's end. You can register your bikes Monday through Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM at police headquarters downtown, 115 Red Cross Street, (910) 343-3620.

New Hanover County sponsors a Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) with members representing law enforcement, transportation, planning, recreation, education, commerce and bicycle user groups. Interested persons may apply and are appointed by local governments for two-year terms. A strong supporter of bicycle advocacy, the committee works with local government groups in planning bicycle routes and developing multi-use trails. This is an active group that works hard to promote bicycle safety and transportation.

As part of the nationwide Bicycle Awareness Month in May, the committee supports Bike to Work Week and the annual 20-mile River to the Sea Ride, the Pleasure Island Pedal and the River Road Ramble. For information, contact the New Hanover County Planning Department at (910) 798-7165 or visit the BAC website at www.bikewilmington.com.

Bicycle clubs can be an excellent way to meet other cyclists and learn about places to ride, upcoming events and current issues. In the Greater Wilmington area, check out the Cape Fear Cyclists. This group is touring-oriented, with rides that often are at a casual or moderate pace. For information, visit their website at www.capefearcyclists.org.

In Brunswick County, the Brunswick County Pedalers welcome interested bicycle enthusiasts to their meetings at 7 PM the third Wednesday of every month. The president has established a website at www.pedalers.southport.org, where you can find dates and times of rides. Weekly rides are held each Sunday leaving at 8 AM from Southport Bicycles at 619-D N. Howe Street in Southport.

Several excellent bicycle specialty shops in our area sell new and used bicycles and provide repair services. Some businesses, particularly in beach communities, offer rentals. Rates are typically around $20 to $30 per day.

New Hanover County