Bill Summary
The "Bike the Border Act" is legislation aimed at improving the process for non-motorized border crossings, specifically for bicycles and pedestrians, at the Gordie Howe International Bridge. The Act mandates that within one year of its enactment, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection must implement measures to facilitate and expedite these types of crossings. Additionally, the Act requires the Comptroller General of the United States to produce a report within 18 months that assesses the effectiveness of these measures, provides recommendations for further improvements, and suggests incentives to encourage non-motorized traffic across the bridge. The goal of the legislation is to enhance accessibility and promote environmentally friendly transportation options at this international border crossing.
Possible Impacts
The "Bike the Border Act" could affect people in several ways:
1. **Enhanced Mobility for Cyclists and Pedestrians**: The legislation would facilitate easier and faster border crossings for non-motorized users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, across the Gordie Howe International Bridge. This could encourage more people to travel between the U.S. and Canada by bike or on foot, promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing reliance on motor vehicles.
2. **Economic Benefits for Local Businesses**: By making it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to cross the border, local businesses in border towns could see an increase in customers. More foot traffic could lead to higher sales for shops, restaurants, and services catering to visitors who may stop and spend money after crossing the bridge.
3. **Environmental Impact**: Encouraging non-motorized travel across the border could lead to a reduction in vehicle emissions, promoting a cleaner environment. As more people opt for biking or walking instead of driving, it could contribute to decreased traffic congestion and lower carbon footprints, positively impacting air quality in the region.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7079 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7079
To facilitate non-motorized border crossings across the Gordie Howe
International Bridge, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 14, 2026
Mr. Thanedar introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on
Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To facilitate non-motorized border crossings across the Gordie Howe
International Bridge, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Bike the Border Act''.
SEC. 2. FACILITATION OF NON-MOTORIZED BORDER CROSSINGS ACROSS THE
GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE.
(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection shall take such actions as may be necessary to effectively
and vigorously facilitate, including through expedition, of non-
motorized, including bicycle and pedestrian, border crossings across
the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
(b) GAO Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate a report that--
(1) reviews the progress of the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection's handling of non-motorized, including bicycle and
pedestrian, traffic across the Gordie Howe International
Bridge; and
(2) includes--
(A) a determination regarding whether U.S. Custom
and Border Protection has facilitated, including
through expedition, such non-motorized border crossings
across the Bridge;
(B) recommendations regarding how U.S. Custom and
Border Protection may further such facilitation; and
(C) recommendations regarding what, if any,
incentives could be utilized to encourage such non-
motorized traffic.
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