George Washington Bridge

Connecting Fort Lee, New Jersey with Washington Heights, the GWB’s bicycle and pedestrian paths feature stunning views of the palisades. The bridge is a favorite route for weekend warriors in the city who are connecting to the bike trails and parks along the Hudson River Valley. Normally the North walkway is for pedestrians only, and the south path is shared by bicyclists and pedestrians. The south side is fully ramped, but there is a long steep climb that can be difficult to negotiate. Also, there is limited visibility at the suspension columns. This has been improved with the recent addition of convex mirrors, but exercise care.

The Port Authority is in the midst of a large scale bridge renovation. Quick action by city cyclists, e-bikers and T.A. has preserved cyclists right to pedal across the GWB. In return, the Port Authority is asking that cyclists exercise extra caution for pedestrians during the construction period.

Because of security concerns following September 11, 2001 bicyclists and pedestrians are restricted to using the bridge between 6 AM and 12-midnight. T.A. firmly opposes this irrational lack overnight access, which complicates the commuting and recreational use of the bridge for hundreds of riders.

***As of April 2007, bicyclists are being diverted to the north pedestrian path (which has stairs). Click here for up to date service changes.***

George Washington Bridge by the Numbers:

Distance: 4,750 feet
Design: 1931 Suspension Bridge
Engineer: Othmar Hermann Ammann
Manhattan entrance: 178th street and Fort Washington Avenue
New Jersey entrance: Hudson Terrace in Fort Lee, just north of the Fort Lee Historical Park.

T.A. Reports on the George Washington Bridge:

• Proposal for a GWB bicycle/pedestrian connection to Palisades Interstate Park, February 2003, HTML Format | PDF Format
• Letters of support from New Jersey Senator Joseph Coniglio, New Jersey Assemblyman Matt Ahearn, the New Jersey Committee for the East Coast Greenway, the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, AAA North Jersey, the NJ Bicycle Advisory Council and the NJ Pedestrian Task Force

T.A. Magazine articles on the George Washington Bridge:

For more facts: visit Port Authority of NY and NJ web site or call 212-435-7000.