Can you go carless in North Buncombe?

It's an interesting question. Can someone become a pure pedestrian in a less metropolitan area like North Buncombe?

The website Walk Score uses an methodology based on an algorithm that awards points based on the distance to amenities in a variety of categories such as food, schools, shopping, etc. It does not compute such factors as pedestrian safety or design of pedestrian pathways nor does it take account for public transport (of which there is precious few in this area). Towns that have more centralized business and development districts also have opportunities for higher scores. The average Walk Score in Charlotte, for instance, is 41 because the town is much larger and spread out. Although there are plenty of neighborhoods in the Queen City with work, living, dining and shopping options within a mile or two of each other that far outnumber any in North Buncombe. Some of these neighborhoods have a Walk Score of 80 or above.

But with Woodfin adopting a long-term, comprehensive plan this week to construct a linked greenway, bikeway and sidewalk system throughout the town, and Weaverville continuing its goal of constructing sidewalks throughout the downtown area and beyond, some of these numbers suggest its theoretically possible that some people may be able to ditch the car now or in the future if they have the right circumstances.

The average Walk Score for Weaverville is 75, meaning it is very walkable and most errands can be accomplished on foot. Some areas around downtown have a Walk Score as high as 83. Woodfin has an average Walk Score of 40, meaning a resident is car-dependent but some errands can be accomplished on foot. The business corridor on Weaverville Road has a Walk Score of 34. Barnardsville, predictably, had the lowest average Walk Score in the area with 17, meaning almost all errands have to be accomplished on foot.

What does this mean? Well, probably nothing for those who have work, school or other commitments that take them to Asheville, Hendersonville or other areas on a daily or weekly basis. But for those who live and work in their own towns, it suggests that a car might not always be a necessity.