Taxi Service Combats Walkability Issues in Cherryville

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – Despite Cherryville’s small size, many residents struggle to get around. The city boundaries encompass approximately 6 square miles, but walking to run errands is difficult for many Cherryville residents.

One of the culprits? Cherryville’s sidewalks. Cracked and degraded sidewalks line many of Cherryville’s streets. Some areas do not have sidewalks at all.

John “Rick” Shull is a resident of Cherryville who expressed his concern for the sidewalks. In 1998, he required back surgery that would prevent him from driving for six months. He had to walk up to three miles a day after his surgery.

“There’s not a piece [of the sidewalk] that is bigger than an apple. Like three inches by three inches, it is in such disrepair,” said Shull.

Specifically, he mentioned the sidewalks outside of City Hall and Vickie’s Grill. These locations reside on South Mountain Street.

“It’s been like that since 1998; I’ve seen sidewalk repairs all over town since 1998, but they never fixed that,” said Shull.

In theory, Cherryville’s size allows for walkability. However, the potential for walkability in Cherryville is hindered by the poor conditions of existing sidewalks and the absence of sidewalks on the city outskirts. 

It is common to see individuals walking on the shoulder of the road to reach food providers like Food Lion and Walmart. According to Walk Score, a website that tracks the walkability of cities, Cherryville scores 63/100 for walkability.

One Cherryville resident saw the walkability dilemma and acted on a solution. Donald “Donny” Bombardier is a local businessman who started a taxi service in Cherryville.

As of Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Cherryville Taxi, LLC, had been open for three days. Bombardier has already taxied several patrons. 

He got the idea from encountering a woman waiting for an Uber from out of town.

“I was in Walmart shopping and an elderly woman had to wait for transport coming all the way from Gastonia, and she didn’t have a ride,” said Bombardier.

After hearing the woman’s predicament, Bombardier put Cherryville Taxi in motion. He said Uber and Lyft services are unreliable in this area and that a taxi service would help many different demographics.

For instance, Bombardier mentioned giving children who miss the bus rides to school. Sidewalks are not present in many residential areas around the school. This makes walking a potentially dangerous endeavor for students.

“I’ve gone to all the principals at the schools, I’ve met with them in the last 48 hours; I have cameras all over this car. You will not have to worry about anything,” said Bombardier. 

Safety is a priority for him. Not only has he installed cameras on the inside of the vehicle, but also on the outside. Bombardier cares about providing safe rides to anyone in need. 

The walkability of Cherryville is another key reason why he decided to start Cherryville Taxi. 

“If you walk up and down Cherryville, there’s a lot of broken sidewalks … It’s not safe,” Bombardier said, “It’s not safe for the elderly, it’s not safe for young people, for anybody.” 

Bombardier’s sentiments reflect the concerns of many Cherryville residents, especially with pending growth. 

In the past couple of years, the city has approved several new housing projects, including affordable housing. Walkability is imperative for affordable housing communities because access to a vehicle could be a barrier for some residents.

Moreover, the taxi service is prepared to grow with the area. One taxi operates currently, but Bombardier has ordered another vehicle to account for demand. He wants to add several more cars and drivers as time goes on.

Cherryville Taxi has no boundaries. Bombardier even mentioned the possibility of driving patrons as far as Atlanta if necessary.

“We’re available for everything. Airport calls, proms, graduations, down to Charlotte for personal, sit down there, wait while you’re having dinner and whatever you need,” said Bombardier. 

Cherryville Taxi charges a $3.75 entry fee and $3.75 per mile. There is a flat rate of $110 for airport calls. To schedule a ride with Cherryville Taxi, call: (704) 837-4444.

Despite walkability concerns, the city is actively trying to remedy the situation. Plans to fix the sidewalks outside of Vickie’s Grill and City Hall are in motion. According to Brian Dalton, the city manager, the city has already begun repairing sidewalks. 

“We have repaired a few sidewalks already, in front of the truck museum is one,” said Dalton in an email, “We are trying to get prices to fix some others that are in bad need of being repaired. In front of Vickie’s Grill and City Hall are two examples of sidewalks in major need.” 

Suggestions for the City of Cherryville’s sidewalks can be found in the Cherryville Pedestrian Plan. This document was published in 2009 and can be found on the Department of Transportation (DOT) website.

The Pedestrian Plan highlighted issues with Cherryville’s sidewalks in 2009. Specifically, inadequate sidewalks, crosswalks and street lighting made walking around Cherryville difficult. 

“Inadequate sidewalk connections force pedestrians into many of the City’s primary streets. Many existing sidewalks are in need of repair and improved ADA accessibility,” stated the DOT in the Cherryville Pedestrian Plan.

The plan recommended that the city improve the sidewalks and then expand the pedestrian system. Since 2009 the city has made minor improvements to Cherryville’s walkability. However, many sidewalks are still in disrepair.

Getting around the area with ease is important to Cherryville residents. The proximity of business establishments and neighbors is one attribute that attracts residents to the city. 

“My mother was disabled,” Shull said, “She bought her house on South Depot Street and specifically said, “Someday I won’t be able to drive. I can walk to the drug store, I can walk to get a haircut, I can walk to go to a restaurant”; other people downtown might want the ability to walk.”

Cherryville Taxi is up and running for anyone in need. Bombardier is happy to provide this service and has already assisted several residents. He promises free rides to the woman who inspired him, thanking her for highlighting Cherryville’s transportation issues.

Whether you move on wheels or foot, one thing is certain: it is difficult to get around a small city. However, with improved sidewalks and the new taxi service, Cherryville residents will have safer and easier ways to get around town.

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