Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Canada and the U.S., to feature a dedicated cycling route

Windsor, Ont. cyclists—and Detroit cyclists, for that matter—take note: the idea of the soon-to-be-unveiled Gordie Howe International Bridge with a dedicated bike route is about to become a reality.

As the CBC reports, a “dedicated multi-use path,” available to both riders and pedestrians, will officially be part of the bridge’s design, something that was announced to Bike Windsor-Essex on Wednesday. The decision follows a period of consultation with the public—along with both U.S. and Canadian border authorities—that highlighted the appeal of such a route, as well as its usefulness.

According to Lori Newton, executive director of Bike Windsor-Essex, the introduction of a dedicated bike route across Gordie Howe bridge will be a major boost for tourism bringing a new breed of visitor to Windsor’s attractions.

“We’re very excited,” Newton said, after the announcement on March 1 was made. “Today is a huge day for us. Cyclists are very thirsty and very hungry and are interested in local experiences.” According to a description of the overall design, the cycling route across the bridge will be an exemplar—and a pioneering one, considering the border crossing—of what can be done with protected bike routes, with barriers separating cycling and pedestrian traffic from cars and trucks on the busy Canada-U.S. border crossing.

Michigan governor Rick Snyder called the announcement “wonderful news,” while Canada’s minister of infrastructure and communities, Amarjeet Sohi, said, “This continued collaboration was further affirmed by Prime Minister Trudeau and [U.S.] President Trump who recently reiterated their strong support for the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.”