Active transportation, including walking and bicycling, continues to grow in the FBRMPO region, and educating the community about the benefits of a transportation system with such multimodal options is an integral part of the MPO’s process. Pedestrian and bicycle networks that are accessible, direct and continuous have been shown to be economically beneficial to the neighborhoods around them and improve safety for everyone using the roadway.
Hellbender Regional Trail
The Hellbender Regional Trail draft plan outlines a regional bicycle and pedestrian network connecting communities in Western North Carolina. The concept is developed from existing plans in Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Madison and Transylvania counties. MPO staff, in coordination with the regional trail workgroup, have prepared a document that provides a preliminary overview of mapped segments, partnerships, trail benefits and implementation efforts. Read the full public notice here.
The plan in its entirety is linked above as an ArcGIS Online Web Map. It is best viewed on desktop/tablet devices.
The public comment period on the draft plan closed on August 21st, 2020. The draft plan was adopted by the MPO Board at their September 24, 2020 meeting. The Hellbender Regional Trail workgroup will reconvene in late 2023 to discuss updating the original Hellbender Regional Trail Plan.
Follow the official Hellbender Trail Instagram page to stay updated!
Bicycle and Pedestrian Resources
Regional Sidewalk Inventory
The MPO maintains information on the sidewalks in the five county region (Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, Transylvania counties)
Regional Sidewalk Inventory Map
2013 Blue Ridge Bike Plan
The Blue Ridge Bike Plan identifies and articulates the best fit solutions to improve safety and increase potential for people to bicycle around the region.
FBRMPO Complete Streets Policy
The MPO adopted a Complete Streets Policy in 2013 to review all projects going through the SPOT process for inclusion of Complete Streets elements to accommodate all users.
Pedestrian Counts (MPO region)
The MPO uses a portable counter to count pedestrians on sidewalks and greenways around the region. View the previously completed counts via the folder below. Looking for a count in your municipality? Reach out to MPO staff.
View Counts For Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania Counties
Go Mountain Commuting (GO MTN)
GO MTN is a TDM program that works to offer sustainable commute solutions for Western North Carolina. You can also find Go Mountain Commuting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
STRIVE BEYOND
STRIVE BEYOND is a TDM initiative that collaborates with stakeholders in the region to lead efforts each year in May to work and think beyond the car. Events include commuter challenges, walk audits, bike to school days and a keynote summit. You can follow STRIVE BEYOND on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram