Bridges are captivating architectural features of any city or region-especially when cyclists and pedestrians can use them! Designated space for cyclists on bridges can help to encourage cycling overall. They serve as crucial links between areas that are often hard to reach due to urban or natural obstacles.
Counting the numbers of cyclists is one way to measure the impact of new or modified bridges. Gathering consistent data on cyclist numbers shows changes and trends over time. A bike count display can rally support for new cyclist infrastructure investments by making data public and accessible. While making your way over a bridge, you might be encouraged to know you’ve joined thousands on the same journey!
Here’s a list of seven bike-friendly bridges both old and new that are counting cyclists. We’d like to make the trip across these bridges!
- Burrard Bridge, Vancouver, Canada
Photo: Danielle Griscti
Protected bike lanes were installed at this bridge in 2009. Since then, there has been a steady climb in the numbers of cyclists using the bridge. In 2015, the target to reach one million cyclists for the year was reached in August. A contest was held to see who could guess when the count display would hit one million again!
2. Franklin Bridge, Hennepin County, Minnesota
Originally constructed in 1923, this historic bridge was the longest concrete span bridge in the world at the time. In 2016, the Franklin Bridge was updated and reconstructed to include separate facilities for bikes and pedestrians.
- John Young Parkway Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge, City of Kissimmee, Florida
Photo: Metro Orlando
This new bicycle and pedestrian bridge opened in 2015 connects to the Kissimmee Trail Loop and provides east/west pedestrian access over one of the busiest sections of road in the City of Kissimmee.
- Hawthorn Bridge, Portland
Photo: Flickr/Jason Lander
One of Portland’s busiest bridges, it is also one of its oldest. Constructed in 1910, it is the oldest operating vertical lift bridge in the United States. The 2 millionth rider on this bridge was counted in 2013.
- Peace Bridge, Calgary, Canada
Photo: Bernard Spragg
Cyclists and pedestrians enjoy using this bridge to cross the Bow River and join up to the city’s cycle track. Designed by Spanish designer Santiago Calatrava, this bridge has been a hit with cyclists and pedestrians alike. Counts can be viewed live on a public webpage.
6. Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, New York
Photo: Flickr/Matt Baume
This iconic bridge becomes packed with locals and tourists alike when spring weather arrives. This bridge typically sees 10,000 pedestrians and 3,500 cyclists on a weekday.
7. Big Four Bridge, Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana
Photo: LuAnn Snawder
Constructed in 1895, this bridge connects Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. In 2014, both the Louisville ramp and Jeffersonville ramp were opened to pedestrians and cyclists.
Have a favorite pedestrian or cyclist-friendly bridge that’s not listed? Tell us about it in the comments!
Featured Image: Flickr/Mike Baum
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