Carteret County Bike Lanes and Paths

We live in an age of upward spiraling gasoline prices, with no hope in sight of it ever returning to below $2.00 per gallon. So isn't it about time our county and surrounding areas start catching a vision for the future and at least begin planning alternative safe transportation routes? Specifically designated and marked bicycle lanes?

My husband and I caught the cycling bug on a trip to Clearwater Florida, where we found paved bike paths through town (the Clearwater Trail), connecting towns (the Pinnellas Trail), and outside of town, built alongside the highway (the Suncoast Trail). These last two are over 40 miles long! It was apparent that a lot of planning and design, and money went into the building of these trails. They have widened roads, built completely seperate lanes alongside existing roadways and utilized abandoned rail lines to construct these trails.

Why can't we do this here?? Is it going to take a groundswell of people to raise their voices and demand something be done? I've been told that there are government funds available for our use on such a project! Where do we start?

I commend Morehead City and Emerald Isle for the paths they have started. It's a beginning. But I want to see something much bigger! SAFE lanes to ride from Morehead City to Newport to Havelock to Beaufort and the entire length of the island from Emerald Isle to Atlantic Beach!

I live off of Highway 101 between Beaufort and Havelock. It is amazing to me that some genius put bicycle route signs on highway 101! Those of us who actually LIVE here know how deadly that can be! Highway 101 has no shoulders, and is heavily travelled by commercial vehicles and trucks. My husband has had several close calls, instead of using the brakes and passing a cyclist when the oncoming lane is clear, drivers just try to squeeze past alongside! I won't even risk riding on that road - but it is a designated and marked bike route! Unbelievable!

I would love to be able to ride my bike on a 20 or 30 mile ride, without the danger of getting hit by a car or truck! If we had the paths, I believe more people would also ride to work and school!

In addition to the economic benefits, the health benefits are just tremendous! It is one of THE BEST exercise activities you can do! My husband lost over 60 lbs in a year - just by bike riding!

So where do we start?? Who do we contact?? How do we get the ball rolling? All comments welcome!!!!