The View from atop the High Bridge
Back in October as part of the Walk21 conference, I was very lucky to be able to accompany a small group of international pedestrian experts on an exclusive walking tour of the High Bridge, which has been closed to the public for nearly 40 years. Since Streetfilms is all about sharing, we interviewed a few folks-in-the-know and have posted the breathtaking experience of what it was like being up there.
Not soon after starting as a volunteer for Transportation Alternatives back in the 1990s I can recall reading of a push to open the High Bridge during a postcard campaign directed at then Parks Commissioner Henry Stern in 1998. In the years since, there have been many community groups, non-profits, and public agencies which have gotten involved in raising public awareness and advocating for its re-opening. City Parks Foundation, The High Bridge Coalition, and C.L.I.M.B. just to name a few.
Although over the years there have been many announced target opening dates and talk of getting the capital funds needed, of recent there is much momentum. Very early in 2010, community input and design will finally begin. Then we can hope it will not be long until we can all walk and bike across this magnificent structure.
Dreamy! Very cool.
Speaking as a cyclist and a resident of the Bronx; Great news and great video! Can't wait to get up there myself!
cool, may it open soon. lots of paddling on the harlem river under it too.
pic of red tail hawk on the bridge here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/friendsofbrookpark/4129882016/
"The only pedestrian walkway that connects Manhattan with the continental United States."
That's straining a bit. There are plenty of bridges you can walk over to get to the Bronx, and the George Washington Bridge has a walkway to New Jersey. It's the only dedicated walkway where you don't have to walk near cars, which is nice but not essential.
Fabulous video - really well done! Thanks for making it.
Thanks for creating this awesome video, Clarence! Bout time that someone spoke about making our city's wonderful parks more accessible for bikers and pedestrians! And High Bridge Park is such a gem too!
The best thing about the High Bridge? It's not structurally sound for motor vehicles--so it'll always be just us up there.
I think the meaning behind that quote was that it's the only such pedestrian-only connection.