The Gary Shell Cross-City Trail is Wilmington’s
largest, most innovative solution to alternative
transportation as it provides residents with
Gary Shell Cross-City Trail
improved and additional bicycle and pedestrian
options. When completed, the trail will cross the
city from Wade Park in south Wilmington to the
drawbridge at Wrightsville Beach. The trail has
been constructed with a combination of federal,
state and local funds. When complete, the trail as
currently adopted will be 15 miles long.
Along the Trail
Trail Rules and Etiquette
The Gary Shell Cross-City Trail is enjoyed by many different
types of users. Whether you are bicycling, walking, jogging,
skating, walking a dog or pushing a stroller, if all users follow
the same set of rules your experience on the trail will be safer
and more enjoyable.
Help make the trail safe and enjoyable for everyone by using
the following guidelines:
Tips for Cyclists and Motorists!
Cyclists:
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Familiarize yourself with all applicable traffic laws and
cycling rules. North Carolina’s cycling laws can be found
at http://www.ncdot.org/bikeped/lawspolicies/laws/
Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs
and lights.
Be extra alert at intersections. When approaching
intersections, make eye contact with drivers whenever
possible. This ensures that the motorists see you.
Many intersections along the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail
are equipped with push-button-activated signal heads.
When activated, a pre-programmed timed sequence will
display a countdown that lets the pedestrian or cyclist
know how long he/she has to safely cross the
intersection.
Make sure you are always aware of your surroundings.
Motorists:
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Yield to cyclists. Cyclists are considered vehicles and
should be given the appropriate right of way. Special
attention should be paid at intersections where
right-turns-on-red are permitted for motorists. Vehicles
must yield to pedestrians traveling straight in these
circumstances.
Be considerate. Scan for cyclists in traffic and at
intersections.
Look for cyclists when opening car doors.
Most children don't have adequate knowledge of traffic
laws. Children on bicycles are often unpredictable —
expect the unexpected and slow down.
Guidelines:
BE PREDICTABLE.
Travel in a consistent and predictable manner. Always look
behind when changing position on the trail.
ANNOUNCE YOURSELF BEFORE PASSING.
Politely warn trail users as you approach from behind. Give a clear
audible signal when passing like “Passing on your left”. Give the
person you are passing time to respond. Don’t wear headphones
on the trail so you can hear others passing you.
BE COURTEOUS.
All trail users, including bicyclists, joggers, walkers, wheelchairs,
strollers, rollerbladers and skaters, should be respectful of other
users regardless of their mode, speed or level of skill.
PEDESTRIANS.
Pedestrians have the right of way.
KEEP RIGHT.
Always stay to the right side of the trail except when passing
PASS ON THE LEFT.
Pass others traveling in the same direction on the left.
YIELD.
Yield to slower and oncoming trail users and remember that
children and pets can be unpredictable.
DON’T LITTER.
Do your part to keep the trail clean. Please pick up after
yourself and pets.
DON’T BLOCK THE TRAIL.
When in a group or with your pets, use no more than half the trail
so you don’t block the flow of other users.
STOPPING.
Always allow other trail users room to pass on the left. Move off
of or to the side of the trail when you stop. Beware of others
behind you and make sure they know you are stopping.
CITY PARKS.
Portions of the Cross-City Trail are routed through City Parks.
Pay special attention to your speed when traveling on the trail
through a park.
Facilities and amenities along the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail
are noted on the map on the reverse side.
PARKING. Parking facilities are located at James E.L. Wade
Park, Halyburton Park, Empie Park and Anne McCrary Park.
RESTROOMS. Restoom facilities are located at James E.L.
Wade Park, Halyburton Park and Empie Park.
BUS STOPS. Bus stops are noted along the trail and all
Wave Transit buses are equipped with easy, front loading
bike racks.
FIXIT STATION. A FIXIT Station is located at Empie Park. This
easy to use bike repair stand contains an air pump and basic
tools to keep your bike rolling.
CONNECTING TRAILS. The Cross-City trail crosses or
connects to other trails such as the River to the Sea Bikeway
(Route 1) and the multi-use Military Cutoff trail.
CONNECTING PARKS.
Halyburton Park contains a 1.3 mile multi-use tail.
James E.L. Wade Park has a .5 mile multi-use trail and
Empie Park contains a 2-acre Dog Park.
MORE INFORMATION.
www.crosscitytrail.com
www.wilmingtonnc.gov
Wear a Helmet article and illustration courtesy of NCDOT.
Wear a Helmet!
More Bike Information!
If you don't already have one, get a bicycle helmet* today! If you
have one, wear it every time you ride. Today’s helmets look good,
are very light, and let in those cooling breezes... all while
protecting your head and brain! Helmets cost as little as $15 and
could be your most important piece of equipment.
City of Wilmington
North Carolina
crosscitytrail.com
910-341-7855
Wilmington Metropolitan
Planning Organization
wmpo.org
910-341-3258
Why? In a word: protection.
A good bike helmet can protect
your brain. That's important if your
head hits a hard surface… like a
road, a curb, or a car. Brains are
fragile and once damaged may
not mend.
WAVE Transit
wavetransit.com
910-343-0106
East Coast Greenway
greenway.org
919-797-0619
Cape Fear Breeze Regional
Alternative Transportation
capefearbreeze.com
910-341-3258
NCDOT Division of Bicycle
and Pedestrian Transportation
ncdot.org/bikeped/
919-733-2804
*In North Carolina, children under
the age of 16 are required to wear
an approved bicycle helmet.
Gary Shell Cross-City Trail
Visit www.crosscitytrail.com for more information.
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