Just over a week after the Gordie Howe International Bridge opened to vehicle traffic, pedestrians and cyclists will get their turn.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge’s multi-use path is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. Wednesday, giving pedestrians and cyclists a new opportunity to walk or bike between Detroit and Windsor.
The day will be the second grand opening for the bridge, following the July 27 debut of the $4.54 billion, 1.5-mile Detroit River span, ending eight years of construction and weeks of political tension that disrupted opening festivities.
On opening day, a Detroit News reporter and photographer were among the first 10 vehicles to cross over the Detroit River and into Canada.
On Wednesday, for the first time in nearly 25 years, people will once again be able to walk or bike directly between the two countries. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic was once allowed on the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, but that access ended after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge’s multi-use path will be separated from vehicle traffic by a concrete barrier, will be free to use and will connect path goers to regional trail networks on both sides of the border.
Here’s what to know before you go.
Where to access the path
On the U.S. side, the entrance is located across from Historic Fort Wayne, just to the right when exiting Delray Park, near Rademacher Street and West Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. The path will connect with existing, in-progress and future regional trail networks, including the Joe Louis Greenway, Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail and Great Lakes Way.
Some connections, including the future Clark Park trailhead, have not yet been constructed. There is no dedicated parking lot for the multi-use path, though free daytime parking is available at Delray Park, just a few minutes from the point of entry.
In Windsor, the Gordie Howe bridge’s multi-use path entrance is located along the Sandwich Street multi-use path.
Cyclists and pedestrians approaching from Broadway Street will pass under and around the bridge’s vehicle entrance before reaching the path. There is no dedicated parking lot at the bridge entrance, though free but limited options farther out include Malden Park and Black Oak Heritage Park.
The Sandwich Street path will connect users to the Trans Canada Trail, Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and other regional cycling routes.
Timing and lines
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority expects opening day and the first weekend to be especially busy. Access will be limited on a first-come basis and users should expect lineups by the path entry point and at customs. The Gordie Howe International Bike Club, a Facebook group with more than 3,000 members, is planning a group ride across the bridge Wednesday morning at around 10:15 a.m. Pedestrians and cyclists are not permitted to queue on the roadway and will not be admitted before the path opens at 8 a.m.
The path will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from Wednesday’s opening through Oct. 31. From Nov. 1 through March 31, hours will be reduced to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Entry will close one hour before the path closes each day to allow users enough time to complete their crossing.
Officials estimate the one-way trip takes about 20 minutes by bicycle or 45 minutes on foot, not including customs processing. The path is about 1.8 miles from one inspection facility to the other and includes an approximately 5% incline.
Rules and necessary items for crossing
Everyone using the path must clear customs and immigration. Travelers should carry a valid passport, NEXUS card, Michigan Enhanced Driver’s License or Michigan Enhanced ID, along with proper identification for any children traveling with them. There is no toll fee for crossing the multi-use path.
Besides no toll requirement, standard border rules apply. Travelers should avoid restricted items, including cannabis, fresh fruits and vegetables, certain meat products and self-defense items such as pepper spray, which is prohibited in Canada. Backpacks may be inspected by customs officers.
The speed limit on the path is 12 mph or 20 km/h, and pedestrians have the right-of-way against cyclists.
For the first few weeks after opening, pedal-assist e-bikes will not be permitted as officials manage the expected larger crowds. After that temporary restriction is lifted, only pedal-assist models that provide power while the rider is actively pedaling and automatically stop assisting at 19 mph or 32 km/h will be allowed.
Throttle-equipped e-bikes and other motorized devices, including electric scooters, hoverboards, one-wheels and electric skateboards, will remain prohibited. Mobility devices used by persons with disabilities, including motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters, will be allowed.
Pets are not permitted, though leashed service animals are allowed. Smoking, alcohol, cannabis, drones, protests, banners, loudspeakers and throwing objects from the bridge are also prohibited. The path is protected from traffic by concrete barriers and features emergency call stations, security cameras and overhead lighting along the route.
atisch@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Gordie Howe Bridge bike path opens Wednesday. Here’s how to cross
Reporting by Alyssa Tisch, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Tisch, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
