Bike Windsor-Essex welcomes word of possible free tolls for cyclists crossing the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
The federal Infrastructure Minister indicated that's their intention during a recent visit to Windsor.
Bike Windsor-Essex Executive Director, Lori Newton says there had been discussion about the idea, but the word from the minister is great.
She has the potential to boost tourism.
"We have been hearing from our colleagues up in Quebec, across the U.S., people who want to go ride their bicycles for lengthy trips. They want to go and spend lots of money in our communities and explore the Great Lakes and go around in an entirely different way," Says Newton.
She says the free bike tolls can be promoted to attract people here.
"This is a destination opportunity. I can see people having this bridge on their bucket list of 'I've got to ride my bicycle there' and it will be across North America and other countries across the world," says Newton.
But she says some details still need to be addressed in how the trails would connect to the $5.7-billion bridge.
"What Bike Windsor-Essex is going to be looking at, and has been looking at throughout this process, is what is the infrastructure that is connecting the new bridge to our communities and how are they getting to the {Essex} county and how are they getting to the downtown area through Sandwich St. along our waterfront," Newton says.
She says it will also be a bonus for people who have wanted to attend the Slow Rides in Detroit Monday nights.