Duck is a “Pedestrian First” Community
Whether you’re strolling along the boardwalk, shopping or dining in the village, or enjoying an event at the Town Park, the Town of Duck offers wonderful opportunities for pedestrians. No other mode of travel offers such a convenient and stress free way to experience the activity of Duck Village, connect with local neighborhoods, and enjoy the natural beauty of the town’s beach, sound, and coastal landscapes.
The Town of Duck has a long history of pedestrian travel, focused around its compact village center. When the shared use path was built to the north and south of Duck Village, it became obvious there was a pent-up demand for pedestrian facilities. Through the years, the use of this path by bicyclists and pedestrians has continued to increase and the Town is facing challenges to keep up with the demand.
General Safety Tips
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you are walking, running, cycling, or scooting through the Town of Duck we want to share some tips to help keep you safe.
- Keep an ear out. Headphones and earbuds can be dangerous. They inhibit your ability to hear sirens or other approaching vehicles and bikes.
- State law requires the use of marked crosswalks when provided.
- Always walk on the sidewalk or Duck Trail. Try to avoid walking on NC12. If no sidewalk or walkway is available, walk on the left side facing traffic.
- Take a second look. Look in all directions before crossing an intersection or road.
- Make eye contact with stopped cars before crossing. Never assume a driver sees you.
- Be Bright at Night. Wear bright clothing and carry a flashlight with you when walking at night. Have a light on the front and back of your bike.
- Stay off devices while walking. Pay attention to your surroundings.
Showing Intent at a Crosswalk
- Place foot on the white line
- Raise your hand to alert motorists
- Cross the street once the motorist has stopped
Always make eye contact to ensure that it is safe to cross. Never assume that a driver sees you.
If possible, wait for a large group to cross the street. This will lessen the number of times that traffic is stopped and, in turn, help with vehicle traffic flow.
Bicycle Safety
Children under the age of 16 are required by law to wear a helmet when riding a bike.
In North Carolina, bicycles are considered vehicles and, therefore, must obey the same traffic laws as other drivers; including stop signs and traffic signals. When riding through town, be conscious of pedestrians preparing to cross the road.
Be a courteous cyclist. While you are entitled to use the full lane, riding on the right side will help with traffic flow. If riding on the Duck Trail, you should always pass on the left and alert those people being passed.
Be a “Roll Model”
Fitting your bike helmet
Using the Duck Trail and Sidewalks
Using the Duck Trail and Sidewalks
The Duck Trail is a six-mile long, multi-use path primarily located on the east (ocean) side of Duck Road. In 2018, the Town of Duck completed the installation of sidewalks and designated bike lanes on both the east and west sides of Duck Road through the village commercial area—specifically between Urban Cottage (1168 Duck Rd) and Barrier Island Station.
Sidewalks are for pedestrian traffic only.
Bicycles and non-motorized vehicles may use the Duck Trail.
E-bikes are permitted on the Duck Trail, with one exception:
In the Village area between the crosswalk at Aqua Restaurant and the crosswalk at Sunset Grill, e-bikes (and all bicycles) must use the designated bike lane attached to Duck Road. Bikes are not permitted on the concrete sidewalk in this section.
Prohibited on sidewalks and the Duck Trail:
- E-scooters
- Golf carts
- Low speed vehicles
- Mopeds
- Segways
- Any other vehicle with a motor (except e-bikes as noted above)
Pedestrians, bicyclists, and in-line skaters share the Duck Trail. Please use caution and share the path respectfully.
Electric- Assisted Bicycles
Electric Assisted Bicycles (e-bike) FAQs
What is considered a LEGAL e-bike in the Town of Duck?
State law defines a LEGAL e-bike as a bicycle that meets ALL of the following criteria:
- Has two or three wheels, and
- Has a seat or saddle for use by the rider, and
- Has fully operable pedals that can be used for human propulsion, and
- Has an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts, and
- Is not capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour on a level surface when powered solely by its motor.
What is considered an ILLEGAL e-bike?
An e-bike that doesn’t meet the criteria above is considered a motorcycle, and as such, it must be registered, insured, and must display a government issued license plate. In addition, the rider must be a licensed driver holding a motorcycle endorsement. Motorcycles must ride on the street and not on any of the Town’s trails or sidewalks.
Am I required to wear a helmet when riding an e-bike?
State law mandates that e-bike riders under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. A parent who knowingly permits their child to operate an e-bike without a helmet may be criminally charged.
What are the consequences of operating an ILLEGAL e-bike in the Town of Duck?
Illegal e-bikes are subject to police seizure and the rider may be criminally charged with operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license, operating a motorcycle without an endorsement, failure to register and insure a motor vehicle, failure to display a license plate, another related charges. Persons under 16 years of age may be criminally charged as juveniles.
Where can I operate a LEGAL e-bike in the Town of Duck?
Legal e-bikes are permitted on the Duck Multiuse Trail, which is the asphalt paved trail that parallels Duck Road to the east. Riders are urged to use care while riding to avoid conflicts with pedestrians, bicyclists, and other users of the trail.
Whare can’t I operate a LEGAL e-bike in the Town of Duck?
Legal e-bikes are not permitted to use the sidewalks in the Village Commercial District, which are the concrete sidewalks that parallel both sides of Duck Road, and extend from the Aqua Restaurant on the south end of the Village to the Sunset Grille and Raw Bar on the north end of the Village.
How can I travel through the Village Commercial District on an e-bike?
There is a designated bicycle lane that runs contiguous to the north and south travel lanes along Duck Road in the Village. E-bikes are encouraged to use the bicycle lane.
Practical e-bike Tips:
- If an e-bike doesn’t have pedals or is capable of traveling faster than 20 MPH, it is ILLEGAL to ride in the Town of Duck.
- ILLEGAL e-bikes are considered motorcycles, which must be registered and insured.
- All e-bike riders should wear a properly fitting helmet.
- E-bike riders must obey all traffic laws and posted signage.
- Be mindful of pedestrians and yield when appropriate.
- Use lights and reflective gear when riding in low-light conditions.