Skip to content

Streetfilms: Turning NYC’s Oldest Bridge Into Its Newest Bike-Ped Amenity

At October's Walk21 Conference, I got the chance to tour the High Bridge, a viaduct connecting Manhattan and the Bronx which has been closed to the public for nearly 40 years.

At October’s Walk21 Conference, I got the chance to tour the High Bridge, a viaduct connecting Manhattan and the Bronx which has been closed to the public for nearly 40 years.

Opening the High Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists has been a long-held goal for many New Yorkers. (I remember reading about this effort back in 1998, during a postcard campaign directed at then-Parks Commissioner Henry Stern.) Many community groups, non-profits, and public agencies have advocated for its restoration, including the City Parks Foundation, The High Bridge Coalition, and C.L.I.M.B.

Over the years, many target opening dates have been announced, but recently momentum has really picked up. Very early in 2010, community input and design will finally begin. Then, if all goes well, it shouldn’t be long until we can all walk and bike across this magnificent structure.

Photo of Clarence Eckerson Jr.
Clarence Eckerson Jr. is the Director of Video Production for NYCSR's StreetFilms and producer of bikeTV. He loves the color purple, chocolate chip cookies, and enjoys walking, biking, and taking transit. He has never owned a driver's license.

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Dead Cyclist’s Best Friend Demands Action Against Illegal Vehicles on City Streets

June 15, 2026

New Jersey Cities Still Eat NYC’s Lunch In How Quickly They Work To Slow Down Drivers

June 15, 2026

Mamdani Adds Funding for Open Streets As Organizers Press for More

June 15, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: Knicks Nix Six Edition

June 15, 2026

Pride Protected: LGBTQ Groups Thwart Cop Security Cordon Plan For Washington Square Park

June 12, 2026
See all posts