After waiting nearly two decades to cycle across the Detroit River, Stephen Hargreaves believes the Gordie Howe International Bridge’s multi-use path could transform Sandwich Town into a new gateway for cross-border tourism. The pedestrian and cycling path is scheduled to open Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 8 a.m. — nine days after the bridge began welcoming vehicle traffic. “We’ve been so excited about this for a long time,” said Hargreaves, director of the Sandwich Town Business Improvement Area. He recalled advocating alongside former Windsor West MP Brian Masse nearly two decades ago for a cycling lane to be included if a new international bridge was built. “This Wednesday, for me, is nearly 20 years of anticipation and excitement,” Hargreaves said. How far does the path stretch? The path stretches approximately 2.5 kilometres across the bridge. But according to Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority chief relations officer Heather Grondin, the distance from one entrance to the other is closer to three kilometres once the approaches are included. Those starting from designated parking areas will travel farther. “It will be a hike for people, for sure,” Grondin said, encouraging walkers and cyclists to bring water. Where to enter and park The Canadian entrance is located at 4389 Sandwich Street in Windsor, just south of the West Windsor power building. The Detroit entrance is located at 6366 West Jefferson Avenue. There is no on-site parking at either port of entry. In Windsor, parking is available at the Malden Park trailhead, with connecting trails leading toward the bridge. On the U.S. side, parking is available at the Clark Park trailhead, Grondin said. The WDBA also recommends checking local maps for other public parking options. People completing the international crossing will need a passport or NEXUS card and must undergo border processing. Walkers and cyclists do not have to complete the full crossing. They can turn around at any point, but will still be required to report to border officials when re-entering their country of origin. “The multi-use path doesn’t stop you from having to go through a checkpoint with the border agencies,” said Grondin. “Always, when you’re entering back into the country — whether it’s by car or truck or on foot or bike — you still have to go through border processing.” Thousands of cyclists anticipated in Windsor Hargreaves expects substantial interest on opening day, with several organized rides planned from Detroit. The Gordie Howe International Bridge Bike Club has organized three rides beginning at Historic Fort Wayne. Participants are expected to cross into Windsor, spend approximately an hour in Sandwich Town, travel to the Canadian flag near the foot of Ouellette Avenue, and then return to Detroit. The BIA is working with cycling organizations, local businesses, and the City of Windsor to welcome visitors. An additional 54 bicycle racks are expected to be installed for opening day. “We’re expecting there to be thousands of cyclists wanting to be one of the first across the new Gordie Howe Bridge multi-use trail,” Hargreaves said. Sandwich Town underwent streetscape work in 2024 and 2025 that included cycling lanes connecting the neighbourhood with the pathway leading to the Canadian port of entry. Hargreaves believes additional permanent bicycle parking could eventually be required. While the volume of long-term cycling traffic remains difficult to predict, he said businesses are preparing for an influx of visitors looking for food, drinks, and attractions after crossing. “The businesses are all ecstatic with anticipation,” Hargreaves said. “When you arrive into Windsor, the gateway to Canada is Sandwich Town, and we’re so proud of that.” Hargreaves pointed to the neighbourhood’s restaurants, historical attractions, the new Mill Street pier and the recently reopened Duff-Baby House as potential draws. “There’s a lot of pressure with that, but with a lot of pressure comes a lot of opportunity,” he said. Safety features along the path According to WDBA representative Manny Paiva, concrete barriers will separate people using the path from vehicle traffic. Other safety measures include 12-foot-high protective fencing, security cameras, overhead lighting, crisis-intervention signage, and emergency call stations throughout the route. In an emergency, users are advised to contact 911 or use the nearest call station.
