Detroit’s next river crossing will not just move cars. It will move people on foot and on two wheels. When the Gordie Howe International Bridge opens, residents will be able to walk or bike across the Detroit River into Canada for the first time in decades.
The span links Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario. Project leaders say the new crossing will include a multi-use path alongside vehicle lanes. That feature marks a change in how people connect across this busy border. The existing Ambassador Bridge does not allow pedestrians or bicycles, and the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel is also closed to walkers and cyclists.
“For the first time in decades, residents will be able to walk or bike, in addition to driving, into Canada.”
Why This Crossing Stands Out
The bridge is being delivered by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and its private partner. It will add capacity on one of North America’s busiest trade routes. Freight is the headline, but the pedestrian and bike path has grabbed public interest. It offers a daily link for workers, students, and visitors who do not drive or prefer not to.
For years, cross-border movement in the region has depended on cars and trucks. That has limited access for people without a vehicle or those who want a low-cost, low-carbon trip. Advocates for active transportation have pressed for this kind of connection. The new path answers that call.
What Will Change for Travelers
Walking or biking across an international border is not as simple as strolling a neighborhood trail. Travelers will still go through border checks on each side. Officials will need to manage security for a path that is open to the weather and to daily traffic peaks.
- Pedestrians and cyclists will follow posted hours and entry rules.
- Standard identification and customs procedures will apply.
- Emergency access and surveillance systems are expected along the path.
Local groups are already planning routes that connect to the bridge. On the U.S. side, the path could tie into Detroit’s growing network of greenways along the riverfront. In Windsor, it could link to riverfront trails and city bike lanes. The details will matter. Ramps, lighting, snow removal, and wayfinding signs will shape the daily experience.
Economic and Community Impact
Business owners near the entrances hope for new foot traffic. Cafes, bike shops, and small retailers could see weekend visitors who make a loop ride or a day trip. Tourism agencies on both sides are eyeing cross-border festivals and rides that start and end on the river.
There is also a cost story. A safe, free path can cut travel expenses for workers who commute across the border. Students and seniors could benefit, too. Lower-cost travel options tend to broaden access to jobs, classes, and services.
Safety, Design, and Access
Designers face a long list of practical questions. High winds on the river can be fierce. Winter ice and snow are routine. The path will need barriers from traffic, railings, drainage, and regular maintenance. Wayfinding and rest areas can make the trip less tiring and more secure.
Border agencies are preparing for mixed traffic on peak days. Game days, festivals, and holiday weekends could push demand. Clear rules for e-bikes, scooters, and group rides will help. So will coordination with local transit for riders who want to bike one way and bus back.
A Look Back—and Ahead
For generations, the Detroit River has been a hard line for people not in cars. The new path changes that. It restores a simple idea: neighbors should be able to meet without a steering wheel. The move aligns with city plans to expand trails and cut emissions from short trips.
Still, success will depend on the final mile. Sidewalks, crossings, and bike lanes near the bridge must be safe and clear. If those links are strong, the path can become part of daily life, not just a novelty.
The bridge will open with big expectations. The freight lanes will get the headlines. The foot and bike path may deliver the quiet win. Watch for details on hours, connections to local trails, and how each city welcomes people at the gates. If those pieces fit, the river will feel a little narrower.
