New 'Bike the Border Act' Mandates Non-Motorized Crossings at Gordie Howe Bridge Within One Year

Ever tried crossing an international border on two wheels or two feet? It's often more complicated than it sounds. But a new piece of legislation, the "Bike the Border Act," is looking to smooth things out, specifically for the Gordie Howe International Bridge. This bill directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to actively facilitate non-motorized crossings, like those by bicycle and on foot, across this new bridge. The clock starts ticking as soon as the law is enacted, with CBP given one year to get these new procedures in place.

Wheels and Walkers Welcome

At its core, this bill (Section 2) is about making the Gordie Howe International Bridge accessible to more than just cars and trucks. For anyone living near Detroit or Windsor, or even just visiting, being able to bike or walk across the border could be a game-changer. Imagine commuting to work or visiting family without needing a car, or just enjoying a scenic ride or stroll over the Detroit River. This isn't just a nice-to-have; for many, it's about expanding transportation options and connecting communities in a more sustainable way.

Keeping Tabs on the Crossing

But it's not just a one-and-done directive. The bill also builds in a layer of accountability. Within 18 months of the law taking effect, the Comptroller General of the United States has to deliver a report to Congress (Section 2). This report isn't just a status update; it's a deep dive into how well CBP is actually handling non-motorized traffic, including whether they’ve implemented expedited processing. Crucially, it will also include recommendations on how CBP can do even better and, interestingly, what kind of incentives might encourage more people to choose the bike or walk option for crossing the border. So, it’s about making it possible, and then making it appealing.