Bike Safety on the Outer Banks
The weather is warming up and the streets of the OBX are starting to fill up with spring visitors and bicycle enthusiasts. Exercising or taking a relaxing ride along the bike paths and streets of the Outer Banks is a great way to spend the day, but cycling safety should always be on the forefront of your mind.
Every year police report over 900 bicycle accidents in the state of North Carolina. Out of these 900 accidents, 60 cause serious injury, and 20 are fatal. Cycling brings significant enjoyments, but it also carries risk. Cars and bikes need to share the road, and operators need to remain alert and act defensively. As pointed out on InjuryBoard.com “Most accidents are attributable to riders and drivers not paying attention to the rules of the road. Of all the cycling errors the most common include passing stopped vehicles at stop signs and traffic lights, riding through red lights or stop signs, and not using hand signals. To further heighten the element of danger car drivers often refuse to make way for cyclists and fail to heed bikers before turning.”
Safety Rules to keep in mind:
· Always wear a helmet: Studies have shown that wearing a bicycle helmet can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. Only 25% of North Carolina cyclists wear helmets, but there is no doubt that they can save your life. The North Carolina Department of Transportation estimates that bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and the risk of traumatic brain injury by as much as 88 percent.
· Follow the rules of the road: Stop and yield where appropriate. Use hand signals.
· Ride defensively: Don’t expect cars to stop or yield.
· MP3 players limit your ability to hear on-coming traffic.
Things To Do on the Outer Banks
The Salem Street Gazette recently posted a great article highlighting some of the great attractions on the Outer Banks. The eight attractions listed below are a great start, but there is so much more to see and do on the Outer Banks. Here’s a more extensive list with the Seaside Vacations Top 100 things to do.
THE WHALEHEAD CLUB: Tour the stately 21,000 square foot private retreat. Admire the elegant Art Nouveau details. Learn about the owners and all that it took to run such a home.
VISIT THE LIGHTHOUSES: There are several to choose from. In season you can climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras and the Currituck Beach Lighthouses. You can also visit the lighthouses at Ocracoke and Bodie Island Lighthouses.
JOCKEY’S RIDGE STATE PARK: Hike up the largest active dune system on the East Coast. Experience the beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding area from atop of the dunes. Arguably the best sunset on the beach.
WRIGHT BROTHERS NATIONAL MEMORIAL: See the replica of the famous “Wright Flyer’ that started aviation history. Climb the hill and view the memorial as a tribute to Orville and Wilbur Wright.
CHICAMACOMICO LIFESAVING STATION: Learn the history of the Lifesaving Service in North Carolina. Watch demonstration with a breeches buoy and Lyle gun. This site is the most complete U. S. Lifesaving Service Station in the United States.
THE LOST COLONY: See a live performance with music and drama of this great historical event. Learn the tragic story of the ill-fated colonist of 1587. The Lost Colony is the oldest running outdoor drama in America.
ELIZABETHAN GARDENS: This is a must see in the Spring. All the beautiful blooming flowers and shrubs. The statuary throughout the garden is stunning.
OCRACOKE ISLAND: Take a ferry ride to the beautiful and unique island. It houses the second oldest lighthouse in the United States, built in 1823. The British cemetery holds the remains of four British sailors from the HMS Bedfordshire.
Don’t forget your camera.
-
Flickr Photos
More Photos Subscribe to My Podcast
