Alternative Transportation Pedestrian and Bicycle

Economic conditions have affected everyone.  Those on a fixed income or with reduced incomes are least able to absorb the escalating cost of transportation.  The RPO is working with local towns, cities, counties, and schools to provide more and safer modes of transportation. 

Long Distance Travel
Transit

Public transit is available in Rutherford County; click here for the bus schedule.   TARC launched service to Ellenboro, Bostic, Sandy Mush, and Avondale to the East and also launched service to Green Hill to the west.  Polk County operates an on-demand transit system; click here for their website.

Carpool/Vanpool
            Share the Ride NC offers a carpool matching service for most major employers.
             Visit their website for more details

Primary Transportation
Bicycling and Walking

Walking and Bicycling are the most cost effective, healthy, and eco friendly options for most trips we make everyday!
Bicycling is the best option for trips over 1/2 mile.  You are the only person who knows what your own limitations are.  Please pick the safest and best option for you.  Wear a helmet and be aware of cars and trucks on the road.  Bicycles are not to be ridden on sidewalks or on highways (I-26, US 74, and US 74a).  Please plan your route accordingly.

Walking to work is the easiest option for most people.  Google Maps provides walking directions between any two addresses.  You can find out your neighborhood's walk score- www.walkscore.com and ways you can work with your government to improve it!

Rutherford County:  The Isothermal (Gilkey to Spindale) trail provides convenient access to Rutherfordton and Spindale.  The trail in Forest City (Alexander Mills) conveniently connects most of Forest City and into Sandy Mush.  Most towns have sidewalks including Lake Lure’s new Town Centre walkway which will someday reach the limits of Chimney Rock State Park.

Polk County:  Tryon, Saluda, and Columbus have sidewalks throughout most of town.

McDowell County:  Marion and Old Fort have extensive sidewalk systems.  The McDowell Trails association has plans for a county-wide trails system.  Check their website for updates. 

Future

The RPO staff continues to work with regional transportation providers on exploring ways to expand their transit systems as the need arises.  We also are working on a region-wide trail system that might someday connect Asheville and Hendersonville in the west with the Charlotte region to the East via the Carolina Thread Trail. 

Please direct questions to Josh King at IPDC.

Updated: 10/06/2009