Bike The Bridge
I love posts like these! Just copy and paste a press release and hit “publish”. Like the release says - this is a rare opportunity, and if you can attend, I highly suggest you take advantage of it!
Ambassador Bridge Allows Cyclists to Cross For JUST One Day
Border Cyclists to Meet for “Bike the Bridge” & Area Tour
(Windsor, ON) On June 13, 2010 the Ambassador Bridge will allow a rare occurrence: during a brief window of time, a small group of people will be allowed to cross the bridge on their bicycles for “Bike the Bridge” 2010.
This is the second year for the tour that was started as a way to bring attention to how difficult it is to get across the river between Detroit and Windsor when riding a bicycle. Currently cyclists can only take their bicycles across the border if they are driving it there themselves or taking a taxi (bicycles are not allowed on the Tunnel Bus either).
Few Canadian riders participated in the past due to the logistics of getting their bikes across to participate but this year, riders from Windsor will be allowed to cross the bridge on their bikes to meet up with the Detroit riders before cycling back over the Ambassador Bridge as a group. After the crossing, the group will stop at a Windsor park for a breakfast catered by Tres Be-An Cafe. From there riders get to choose from two adventures: either a long distance ride lead by Todd Scott (director of Detroit Trails), or a tour of Hiram Walker with a presentation by Marty Gervais followed by a sojourn to the riverfront for Carrousel of the Nations.
Sue Moretto, the Michigan-based organizer of the event, is excited to bring everyone together and return to Windsor with her riders, “We had so much fun on the ride last year; the breakfast was delicious and it was a great day.”
Moretto has spent several months working with representatives of the Windsor Bicycling Committee (WBC) to finalize plans on the Windsor side of the border.
“We are delighted that we’ll be part of this effort. Events such as these are commendable as they help promote our important connection of our regions as well as cycling as a healthy transportation alternative,” says Alan Halberstadt, the Windsor city council representative on the WBC.
For $35, Canadian riders get their bridge crossing, breakfast, a commemorative t-shirt and their choice of two cycling tours. Riders must be 16 years and older (18 and older for Hiram Walker tour) and must wear a helmet. Riders must pre-register by May 31, 2010 at http://bikethebridge2010.eventbrite.com/
About the Event
On June 13, 2010, the annual “Bike the Bridge” event will allow cycling enthusiasts to cross the Ambassador Bridge, something that is not allowed except for this event. Participants must pre-register by May 31; the registration fee includes bridge crossing, breakfast, a commemorative t-shirt and their choice of two cycling tours. www.bikethebridge.ca
About the WBC
The Windsor Bicycling Committee strives to enhance the safety and viability of bicycling in the City of Windsor, acting as an advocate for the growth of bicycling as a form of recreation and transportation, and advising Council and City departments on matters relating to bicycling in Windsor. www.cyclewindsor.ca
Post Feedback
I registered as soon as I saw that they are allowing us to ride our bikes from Windsor to Detroit - thanks to whoever it was who made this possible!
I guess further details about how & when to get there will be made available prior to the event.
The Ambassador Bridge actually started to make some suggestions so Alan Halberstadt jumped on the opportunity. We’re very glad so many Canadian residents are participating this year!
Wow! What a great event. That would be a very fun and interesting ride.
Hopefully one day we can all ride our bikes (or walk) across that bridge without it having to be an event.
If I recall it was feasible in the 1970s before Maroun purchased the bridge. Does anyone know the reason why pedestrian traffic was stopped?
Cycling on most international crossings is prohibited.
http://www.peacebridge.com/pedestrians.php
http://www.tailwinds.org/1998/LkHuron/66.html
The sidewalks were closed on the Ambassador Bridge following the 2001 terror attacks for security reasons.
They were closed long before that. It wasn’t the terrorist attacks that closed the ability to walk across the bridge.
I find it odd that people can’t cycle across a bridge. We should have freedom of movement in any way possible. Why just a car?
They stopped pedestrian and bicycle traffic a long time ago due to suicides.