A new way to cross the border on foot or by bike opens Wednesday, as the Gordie Howe International Bridge multi-use path officially welcomes its first users.
The free path connects Windsor-Essex and Detroit, creating a new cross-border route for cyclists, pedestrians, and active transportation users.
Officials say the opening day and first weekend are expected to be very busy. To help ensure a safe and comfortable experience, access will be limited on a first-come, first-served basis during the initial opening period.
Users will not be admitted before 8 a.m., and pedestrians and cyclists are asked not to gather or line up on the roadway.
The multi-use path is 2.5 kilometres long, with the total travel distance between border inspection booths measuring about 3 kilometres one way.
The crossing is expected to take about 20 minutes by bike, or 45 minutes on foot, not including time needed for border processing.
The path reaches a height of about 46 metres above the Detroit River and includes a five per cent incline in some areas. The speed limit is 20 km/h, and officials are reminding users that the crossing is not a race.
“Enjoy your trip across the bridge at a low speed,” officials said, adding that pedestrians have the right of way and cyclists should signal their intentions and ride safely.
Those planning to use the path are reminded to bring proper travel documents required for entry and re-entry into Canada and the United States.
There is no on-site parking at either port of entry. In Windsor, parking is available at the Malden Park trailhead, while Detroit users can park at the Clark Park trailhead.
Officials are also encouraging people to consider planning their trips later in the summer or into the fall as demand is expected to be highest during the opening days.
For the first few weeks of operation, pedal-assist bikes will not be permitted to help support safe initial operations.
The path will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. between April 1 and Oct. 31, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Nov. 1 and March 31, with access ending one hour before closing time to allow users to complete their journey.
