Getting Around Gastonia: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Although downtown Gastonia offers some improvements such as walkable social districts with outdoor dining and scenic neighborhoods like Gardner Park, overall the city is car-dependent. Most errands necessitate the use of a car, and the urban sprawl limits pedestrian access to amenities outside the downtown area. A traveler might find it challenging to rely on walking alone, especially when accessing amenities beyond the central hub.

Gastonia's public transportation has adapted with its GoGastonia on-demand van service, which replaced the fixed-route bus service. This service can be accessed via app or phone call, offering a flexible option for travelers. However, the limited coverage and operational times may restrict spontaneous trips across the city, making it less convenient for those relying solely on public transit for exploration.

While Gastonia includes some bike lanes and has a plan to improve infrastructure further, it currently lacks sufficient cycling paths and safe connectivity between key areas. The city's efforts to expand greenway networks are promising, but the current terrain and traffic levels can make biking less comfortable for day-to-day travel. Riders will find some trails like the Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway, yet overall bike-friendliness remains limited for travelers.