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.

Comments Are Temporarily Disabled

Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.

Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Gale Forces? West Side Council Member Wants A Bike Lane On Central Park Transverses

March 24, 2026

AT THEIR LIMIT: Boards Covering 1M New Yorkers Want Reduced Car Speeds

March 24, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: Above the Law Edition

March 24, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: We Fixed Congress Edition

March 23, 2026

The City Is Doing to Prospect Park What It Needs to Do to All Parks

March 23, 2026
See all posts