First Cyclist Crosses New Gordie Howe Bridge

Since 1929, the Ambassador Bridge had been the only bridge connecting Detroit and Canada. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is now the second, and the first open to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Ambassador Bridge and Gordie Howe International Bridge

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For more than a century, the Ambassador Bridge has connected Michigan and Canada, serving as a vital link for international trade while providing convenient travel for vacationers and day-trippers on both sides of the border.

Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash

The Ambassador Bridge provides direct access to Interstates 75 and 96 and carries about 25% of all trade between the United States and Canada. The standard passenger vehicle toll is $10, while motorists with a Premier Card pay a discounted rate of $5.50 per crossing.

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Located just 3.9 miles from the Ambassador Bridge, the new Gordie Howe International Bridge features direct highway-to-highway connections, all-electronic toll collection (standard rate of $5.75 and frequent traveler rate of $4.35), dedicated and dynamic traffic lanes, six bridge lanes, 16 toll lanes, and state-of-the-art technology designed to speed border crossings.

Read More: Gordie Howe Bridge Walk Attempt Leads to U.S. Ban

One feature the Ambassador Bridge lacks is pedestrian access. Unlike the Ambassador Bridge, the Gordie Howe International Bridge includes a dedicated multi-use path for walkers, joggers, and bicyclists to cross between the United States and Canada.

Pedaling Into History on the Gordie Howe Bridge

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One Windsor cyclist was determined to make history by becoming the first person to bike across the Gordie Howe International Bridge. According to WXYZ, Justin Bellemore camped out overnight after taking the day off work to secure his spot at the front of the line. When the gates opened, he became the first cyclist to ride across the new international crossing into Detroit, a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

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At 8 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Bellemore began his historic 20-minute ride across the Gordie Howe International Bridge. His goal was to become the first cyclist to cross the new bridge, with Detroit’s historic Fort Wayne as his destination. He accomplished both milestones, making the ride a memorable moment in border-crossing history.

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If you plan to bike or walk the Gordie Howe bridge the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. now through October 31, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November 1 through March. Make sure you have the proper paperwork.

👇BELOW: 9 Fascinating Facts: Michigan's Gordie Howe International Bridge👇