Buncombe County Seeks Public Input on First Pedestrian Safety Plan

Buncombe County held its first public meeting Monday for a countywide Pedestrian Plan that aims to map out where sidewalks and crosswalks are needed most across unincorporated areas, marking the first time the county has undertaken a formal effort of this kind.

The drop-in session ran from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Land of Sky Regional Council, 339 New Leicester Hwy #140 in Asheville, where residents could speak directly with committee members, pinpoint locations on interactive maps, and raise concerns about sidewalks that exist or are missing altogether. Spanish interpretation and materials were available at the meeting, and a virtual participation option was also offered for those who could not attend in person.

The planning process actually began earlier. A drop-in meeting was held January 29 at the Enka-Candler Public Library, 1404 Sand Hill Road in Candler, following the same 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. format. That session was announced in January by 828newsNOW as the first opportunity for residents to weigh in early in the process, with additional meetings at other locations to follow.

The project launched in summer 2025 and is expected to wrap up within about 12 months, with the finished plan ultimately going before the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. A Steering Committee guides the work alongside county staff, reviewing public input and providing feedback on the final draft. The committee's role covers everything from assessing community needs and walkability goals to shaping the policies that will underpin the plan.

Funding comes from federal aid administered through the North Carolina Department of Transportation, though no specific dollar amount has been disclosed.

The county reported that more than 300 residents had already completed the online survey before Monday's meeting. The survey, available in both English and Spanish, asks participants where they want to walk and what concerns they have about existing infrastructure. The plan's stated goal is to connect neighborhoods to schools, job centers, and other key destinations so residents can walk more safely, comfortably, and conveniently.

The Pedestrian Plan sits alongside other active infrastructure work in the region. A separate mile-long sidewalk project in West Asheville, aimed at improving safety for both pedestrians and cyclists, also began in summer 2025.

Residents who missed Monday's meeting can still participate through the online survey and interactive mapping tools at engage.buncombecounty.org, which also lists Steering Committee opportunities and upcoming engagement events.